'Petulant child' Marler's brainfade par for the course
Harlequins prop Joe Marler has drawn sharp criticism following his side’s 26-38 Champions Cup loss to Toulouse after conceding a needless penalty late in the game.
The veteran prop – who was sprung from the replacements bench late in the contest – was penalized for clouting Toulouse substitute Thomas Ramos around the head in the 77th minute, granting the home team a penalty as the contest neared its conclusion.
With the 33-year-old no stranger to such antics, patience seems to have worn thin even among Quins fans. Indeed the incident drew plenty of annoyance on social media – much of which came from the English club’s fans who were infuriated at the Marler’s latest act of tomfoolery.
Fans and pundits alike slammed Marler for what was seen as a needless lapse in judgment and Twitter duly lit up with reactions. One user branded Marler “forever being a ****” while another described the infraction as “the sort of thing you’d be pissed off at your mate in a 2xv game.”
Yet another fan wrote: “Joe Marler going full petulant child in the final minutes. Amazes me when professionals are that stupid”, while another observed: “I like Joe Marler as a bloke, but I never want him to play for any team I support. What was he thinking there?”
Such a stupid penalty to concede.
Joe Marler. 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/Bwtyy5Mhnb
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) May 5, 2024
There were many more in that vein.
Another fan defended Marler, writing: “Quins were never going to win this game at that point anyway. But I hope I don’t see Joe Marler getting abused after that. He’s not the only player to have ever done something petty like that.”
Leinster fan account Harpin on Rugby – possibly hoping Quins and not Toulouse made it through to the final with the Irish province – chimed in a with an apposite GIF.
“That’s stupid from Joe Marler”#TLSvHAR pic.twitter.com/eA8VTYL6eS
— Harpin’ On Rugby (@HarpinOnRugby) May 5, 2024
Until that point Harlequins had fought valiantly in their semi-final clash, overcoming a 31-12 deficit to come within striking distance before ultimately succumbing to Toulouse.
The Premiership side struck via tries from Marcus Smith, Cadan Murley, Will Evans and Tyrone Green.
Toulouse won the day however through scores by Antoine Dupont, Matthis Lebel, Peato Mauvaka and Thibaud Flament.
Source: @RugbyPass
