Monday 8 January 2018 16:44, UK
Joe Marler is in danger of missing the start of England's Six Nations campaign after receiving a red card during Harlequins' 30-29 defeat to Sale Sharks on Saturday.
The prop was adjudged to have dropped his shoulder into the head of Sale flanker TJ Ioane in the 58th minute of the match.
Marler will appear before a disciplinary hearing this week to discover if he now faces a lengthy ban which could potentially rule the 27-year-old out of England's opening Six Nations match against Italy in Rome on February 4.
Marler has already served a three-week ban this season and missed two of England's autumn internationals against Argentina and Australia after being cited for elbowing Wasps' Will Rowlands in October.
John Kingston, Harlequin's director of rugby, admitted that the front rower will be "disappointed" with the incident.
"This is not an isolated punch, stamp or kick, it's a clear-out that is not legal and he has taken somebody out without (using) his arm," Kingston said. "It's a physical game, an awful lot of people do that.
"He will be unbelievably disappointed and upset about the whole thing. Joe was having an unbelievable game as well, that's the other thing to remark on. His form last week and today had been absolutely outstanding.
"It's something that will be dealt with as required, but it clearly had an impact on the game."
