‘F***ed it’ – Joe Marler apologises for costly brain explosion in Champions Cup loss

Jared Wright
Screenshots of Joe Marler slapping Thomas Ramos during the Champions Cup semi-final.

Joe Marler's actions cost Harlequins in the latter stages of the Investec Champions Cup semi-final.

Harlequins prop Joe Marler has apologised for his “stupid” penalty in the latter stages of the Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Toulouse.

It was a crushing defeat for Harlequins on Sunday as they were unable to defy the odds once more, succumbing to a 38-26 loss against the formidable five-time Champions Cup winners.

The Premiership outfit started the match slowly and were outplayed in the first half as they went into the break trailing 31-12.

Killing off the comeback

However, second-half tries from Cadan Murley and Tyrone Green pulled Harlequins within a converted try of the Top 14 giants before Jack Walker was sin-binned, and Toulouse stretched their lead to 38-26 in the final 10 minutes of the game.

In the latter stages of the match, Harlequins looked to have an opportunity to mount one final comeback to win the semi-final when they were awarded a penalty inside Toulouse’s half.

However, in a moment of pure petulance, Marler lashed out at Toulouse replacement Thomas Ramos when the penalty was awarded. The prop had collected the ball, and the Toulouse star had nudged him; Marler reacted by slapping the Frenchman on the back of his head.

Referee Andrew Brace did not take kindly to Marler’s outburst and reversed the penalty in Toulouse’s favour.

Onlookers were quick to hit out at Marler for his actions, which ended any chance of a late surge.

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“Joe Marler has just cost ‘Quins any chance of winning in the final minutes of this game by being a complete idiot,” one spectator remarked on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

South African JW Coetzee, added: “I like Joe Marler as a bloke, but I never want him to play for any team I support. What was he thinking there?”

“Once again Joe “bantz” Marler acts the pr*ck. Basically ended Quins’ chances there,” another reaction read.

Another added: “Joe Marler going full petulant child in the final minutes. Amazes me when professionals are that stupid.”

After the match, Marler took to X to apologise for his actions.

“F**ked it. Sorry. @Harlequins fans were huge. Boys were incredible. Juvé,” his post read.

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Harlequins’ focus

The defeat means that Harlequins will now turn their focus solely on the Premiership title race.

Quins are ranked fifth overall in the standings and have a trip to Sandy Park to tackle Exeter Chiefs before finishing off the regular season at home against Bristol Bears.

Meanwhile, Toulouse will now face off against Leinster in the Champions Cup final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 25.

READ MORE: Harlequins player ratings: Marcus Smith wins personal duel while England hopeful makes a statement

Champions Cup Joe Marler