Joe Marler reportedly made derogatory remarks about an opponent's mother to spark the mass confrontation that marred the Harlequins v Bristol game.
Marler's remarks to Jake Heenan saw the Bristol flanker become visibly enraged and upset as he launched himself at the England prop during the Gallagher Premiership match. A brawl ensued, with Marler clearly looking sheepish after things had been broken up.
It had initially been unclear what Marler actually said to upset his opponent, but several reports now claim he made unsavoury comments about Heenan's mother, who is thought to be in hospital. In audio that has emerged from referee Karl Dickson's microphone, Heenan could be heard saying to the official: “Karl, Karl, my mum is in hospital.”
