He can’t complain.

Harlequins prop Joe Marler today pleaded guilty to the charge for striking with the shoulder and making contact with Sale Sharks’ TJ Ioane, contrary to law 9.12, and has received a six week suspension as a result.

The England prop appeared before an independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday after receiving a red card from referee Matt Carley in the 58th minute during Saturday’s Aviva Premiership match at AJ Bell Stadium against Sale Sharks.

Marler is available to play again on 20 February 2018, ruling him out of Harlequins’ remaining Champions Cup pool games, and England’s Six Nations games against Italy and Wales.

“The panel found that contact was made with the head of TJ Ioane and as a result the mandatory entry point is mid-range,” said the chairman of the panel Philip Evans QC.

“The panel considered that the player’s previous record was such that it required an additional period of suspension of one week, however because of his plea, his conduct since the incident took place and other personal mitigation, the panel allowed some reduction.”