England rugby player Joe Marler has been given a 10-week suspension for inappropriate contact with Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones during the recent Six Nations match at Twickenham.
The independent citing commissioner, at a disciplinary hearing in Dublin, ruled that Marler’s actions violated the spirit of good sportsmanship.
Marler was found to have committed an offense of “grabbing, twisting or squeezing” Jones’s genitals in an incident during the first half of England’s 33-30 victory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDm7xLKzra4
Under World Rugby rules, the ban for such an offense is 12 weeks. However, considering mitigating factors such as his “good character” and showing “remorse,” the committee reduced the ban. Nevertheless, an additional week was added due to Marler’s recent disciplinary record.
“Marler is therefore suspended for 10 weeks and, given his playing schedule, is free to resume playing on Monday, 8 June 2020,” the RFU said in a statement.
During the hearing, Marler admitted to foul play but denied the specific nature of the contact with Jones. However, the panel disagreed with his statement.