England international Joe Marler has issued an apology after his on-field comments sparked a mass brawl.
Marler, 32, faces a potential ban from the RFU, over comments he made to Jake Heenan during Harlequins' clash with Bristol at The Stoop on Tuesday.
The Bears won the tight encounter 15-12 but it was marred by ugly scenes at a scrum when prop Marler appeared to say something that incensed Heenan.
It has since been claimed that Marler made comments about the mother of one of the Bristol players and he took to social media to issue an apology for his behaviour.
Bristol star Steven Luatua tweeted Marler: "Surely Jake Heenan deserves an apology. Fair? Merry Christmas."
And the 83-cap England star did show some remorse, responding: "Yep. You’re right. I’m sorry @HeenanJake – p*** poor from me. Owe you a pint/coffee in the New Year.”
Heenan is yet to acknowledge the tweet and Bristol boss Pat Lam said afterwards: "I love Joe Marler but something was said and there was a reaction from Jake I have never seen before.
"I brought Jake over from New Zealand to Connacht and to Bristol. He’s like a son to our family and I have never seen him like that. It’s best to say one of the areas we are all trying to work on is the spirit of the game."
Lam confirmed the Bears would not be making an official complaint although Marler must wait to discover if the incident is included in the referee's report or if it will be pursued by the citing commissioner.
It is not the first time Marler has been in the spotlight and he was banned for 10 weeks back in 2020 for grabbing Alun Wyn Jones' penis during a Six Nations clash with Wales.
Quins boss Tabai Matson conceded: "I am not sure what was said but he does tease people. He is quite antagonistic."
The shock victory was just Bristol's third of the season so far and lifted them off the bottom of the Premiership while Harlequins remain in third spot.
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