Marler escapes punching ban

But whether the Harlequins forward will be free to face France, when England bid for a Grand Slam in Paris on Saturday, remains uncertain as no decision has yet been announced on whether he'll face disciplinary action for another incident – where he called Wales prop Samson Lee a "gypsy boy".

Marler appeared before a disciplinary hearing in London on Wednesday, where he accepted he had committed an act of foul play. The panel found it was right that he had been cited but said no further action was needed as he had not committed a red-card offence.

"Mr Marler accepted that he had committed foul play. Accordingly, the disciplinary committee – having considered all of the evidence – including various video clips, and listened to representations by, and on behalf of, Mr Marler, upheld the citing complaint.

"However, the disciplinary committee found that the offending would not have warranted a red card and so imposed no sanction," a Six Nations statement said.

Officials did not say if Marler would be banned for his comments regarding Lee, adding a decision on that point would be announced on Thursday, when England coach Eddie Jones is due to announce his matchday 23 to play France.

Verbal abuse of a player based on religion, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or otherwise carried an "entry-point" sanction of a four-week ban. If Marler is ruled out, his place is set to be taken by Mako Vunipola, with Matt Mullan coming onto the bench.

Agence France-Presse