England’s Joe Marler has been cited after making bizarre contact with the groin area of Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones in this past weekend’s Six Nations clash.
England held out to claim a 33-30 win over Wales to bring themselves back into contention for the Six Nations title, further aided by France slumping to a loss against Scotland on Sunday.
However, the win was somewhat marred as most of the conversation after the match revolved around an incident involving Marler and Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones.
Video footage emerged during half-time of Marler appearing to grab Jones around his genitalia when a fracas broke out between the two teams.
Watch: Bizarre moment from Marler
Those defending Marler suggested that it was a humorous bit of fun between two players, while those on the opposite end of the debate went so far as to argue that he should be reported to the police for sexual harassment.
During the post-match press conference, Jones was visibly irritated despite the chuckles from journalists when he was asked about what happened. Marler hinted at his opinion of the incident when he tweeted, ‘Bollocks. Complete bollocks.’
Punishment for a grabbing, squeezing or twisting the testicles of a player starts at 12 weeks at a lower end under Law 9.27, which governs bad sportsmanship.
A statement from Six Nations officials on Monday read: ‘The England No 1 Joe Marler has been cited for an alleged infringement of Law 9.27. (A player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship – hair pulling or grabbing; spitting at anyone; grabbing, twisting or squeezing the genitals and/or breasts in the case of female players), during the Guinness Six Nations England v Wales match last Saturday.’
Marler will appear alongside teammate Courtney Lawes before a disciplinary hearing in Dublin on Thursday.
ALSO READ: Shocked Jones reacts to Marler incident
Lawes may face a ban for a dangerous tackle on Jones in the second half of the match, while Manu Tuilagi will also argue his case after seeing a red card for a shoulder charge on wing George North.
Photo: Getty Images
