Rich_NL
Rugby Expert
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It seems that they couldn't even bring themselves to say that Marler's conduct was unacceptable, the strongest thing they seem to have said is that it is "aware of the seriousness of Mr Marler's comment and does not in anyway condone what was said" Note that they don't actually say that Marler's remark was an offence under the rules.
I am guessing that
- they can't admit that it was a breach, because they would then have to explain why 4-week ban doesn't apply
- they don't want to say it wasn't a breach because, well, it was.
It's a pretty poor show. (but I stand to be corrected if the full text says anything different)
Possibly they considered the word itself borderline, and they don't want to get into the "yes but is 'English twat' racist?" arguments so they backed away and hoped it would all die down.
I thought it was far more likely to get a sanction than the forearm incident.