Joe Marler cited after Alun Wyn Jones groping incident during England Wales clash
England's Joe Marler will appear before a disciplinary panel after being cited for grabbing Alun Wyn Jones' testicles during Saturday's Six Nations game.
World Rugby's punishment for what they term "testicle grabbing or twisting or squeezing" ranges from a suspension of 12 weeks to 24 weeks or more.
Marler has been cited for alleged infringement of Law 9.27 - that a player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship.
Courtney Lawes has also been cited for a dangerous tackle and will too appear before the panel in Dublin this week.
The incident happened during Wales' 33-30 loss to England on Saturday at Twickenham.
Speaking at Wales' post-match press conference, Jones said: "I've got 138 Tests for my country. If I react, I get a red card. It's tough, isn't it?
"Hopefully World Rugby have a look at it. Joe's a good bloke, lots of things happen on a rugby field.
"It's difficult as a captain these days because you can't speak to a ref about anything, it feels."
The incident caused controversy and divided opinion amongst ex internationals and fans. Piers Morgan took the side of Marler on Monday's Good Morning Britain.
"What was a little tickle and all hell broke loose. I thought the whole thing was funny, because I remember Vinnie Jones doing this to Paul Gascoigne. And for 30 years since that picture we’ve all laughed about it and said what fun."
Meanwhile former Wales Captain, Gwyn Jones gave his verdict whilst appearing on BBC's Scrum V on Sunday.
"I think it was an attempt of humour of some kind but I don't think there's any doubt that it was unacceptable to do what he did", he said.
"I think this is another example of Joe Marler just showing his stupidity.