REVEALED Marler’s vile slur that sparked brawl

JOE MARLER was hit with a twoweek ban because he called an opponent’s mother a ‘f***ing whore’, shocking footage has revealed.

The Harlequins prop received a six-week ban — four suspended — after being charged by the RFU.

And video has emerged on social media of Marler’s insult towards Bristol Bears flanker Jake Heenan, which sparked a brawl.

As the two prepared for a scrum before the end of the first half, Heenan asked Marler, ‘Hey brother, you mad, eh?’

Marler then replied: ‘I’m clearly not your brother, am I? There’s no way I’m from the same mother as you. Your mum’s a f***ing whore.’

When Heenan replied with, ‘You’re better than that, mate’ Marler repeated the slur, ‘Your mother’s a whore.’

Bristol prop Yann Thomas took exception and pushed Marler, starting the fracas.

Heenan then said to referee Karl

Dickson: ‘Karl, my mum’s in hospital with cancer.’

Marler will miss Harlequins’ next two Premiership matches against Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks.

The punishment represents a lucky escape for Marler, who accepted the charge of conduct prejudicial to rugby brought against him at an RFU disciplinary hearing on Friday night. It decided he should be banned for six weeks in total but with four weeks suspended until the end of next season.

That means Marler will be able to be a part of England’s squad for the 2023 Six Nations, should he be selected by Steve Borthwick.

RFU panel chair Gareth Graham said: ‘The player accepted his conduct was prejudicial to the interests of the game. As has been said by previous rugby disciplinary panels, rugby’s core values are not empty words or slogans which can be signed up to and then ignored.

‘They are not to be treated as useful bolt-ons dreamt up by a marketing team. They are integral to the game and are what make the game special.

‘The insulting and offensive comments made by the player were wholly inappropriate. Such comments should form no part of the modern game.’

Marler apologised to Heenan online and in person for his comments, which he described on Twitter as ‘p*** poor’.

In 2016, Marler, who has a regrettable disciplinary record, called Wales prop Samson Lee ‘gypsy boy’, and in 2020, he was suspended for 10 weeks for grabbing Wales player in Alun Wyn Jones by the testicles.

His poor record was taken into account by the RFU who were also aware of Marler’s apology to Heenan.

However, there are some who feel that Marler, known for his unusual and insulting behaviour and comments, has got off lightly.

Former England fly-half Andy Goode said: ‘People arguing this is just banter need to take a long hard look at themselves. Wherever you choose to draw the line, calling someone’s mother a whore is way over it in my book.’