Marler-Gate

The world is a funny old place right now. This theme was continued when last Thursday Joe Marler, the England rugby international was handed a ten week ban for grabbing the groin of Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones. Yes, you have read that correctly. During a scuffle that broke out between the two teams, Marler grabbed the genitals of his former teammate. Wyn Jones looked around in disbelief, hoping someone else had seen what had just happened. Set to becoming the most capped rugby player of all time, it is safe to say not even Wyn Jones saw this one coming. Both players seemed to see the lighter side of the incident (Meagher, 2020).

Unsurprisingly, it has been a big talking point in the interim due to the very unusual nature of the incident. Many were quick to condone Marler’s actions, stating that in any other work environment it would be seen as a serious sexual assault. It certainly doesn’t bode well for the image of rugby which is trying desperately to get away from ‘the old boys club’ it is perceived to be. While others are saying Marler has been harshly treated due to his previous poor disciplinary record. Many feel the disciplinary board have shown inconsistency and given Marler a large ban for an act without malice. French player Mohamed Haouas was also presented before the disciplinary board on the same day as Marler. He received only a three week ban for striking the jaw of Scotland back-rower Jamie Ritchie with a clenched fist (McCormack, 2020). Marler certainly did not help himself, several days before his disciplinary hearing he tweeted: “Bollocks. Complete bollocks.” The great Homer Simpson would not even do such a thing.

The only conclusion I can draw from this story is none of us would be aware of it only for technology. None of the refereeing officials picked up on the incident but there was no way one of the 50 or more cameras in Twickenham stadium last Saturday weren’t going to spot it. Technology has provided and will continue to provide incredible improvements to sports entertainment and analysis. However, I for one certainly didn’t expect technology to provide us with a story like this. Whether that’s a good or a bad thing, I’m still not sure. This story mirrors the circumstances we currently find ourselves in, we’ve never seen anything like it and we’d happily see it go away!

What a strange world we live in.

Bibliography:

Meagher, G., (March 2020). 'England's Joe Marler banned for 10 weeks after grabbing Jones' groin'. The Guardian - Rugby Union

McCormack, R., (March 2020). 'JOE MARLER CITED FOR GRABBING WALES CAPTAIN ALUN WYN JONES' GROIN'. Off The Ball - Sport