It took longer than expected, but for most - Joe Marler's ban and fine handed down by World Rugby on Tuesday was the right decision. The England prop had somehow gotten off with some racist comments directed at Wales prop Samson Lee, but the sport's governing body intervened to punish Marler.
It was seen as a slap on the wrists for both Marler and the Six Nations disciplinary committee who had previously let the loosehead prop walk free.
But some fans aren't happy. One in particular, by the name of Lee Raikes, thinks that Marler has been hard done by being punished at all. Raikes set up a gofundme page to raise money to pay for Marler's fine in protest at the sanction.
According to the page, the £20,000 is an "outrageous fine that Joe Marler received from the total inept World Rugby", and they are raising the money because "Joe Marler apologised which was accepted by Sampson Lee and quite frankly Joe Marler has been hung out to dry."
We all say things in the heat of the moment.
Raikes has had some support, raising just over £300 since creating the fund on Tuesday - with donators leaving comments like "Disgraceful behaviour....from World Rugby. Time for the PC do-folders to get back in their box.".
The page is also receiving it's fair share of negative comments:
This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. A professional athlete got fined for an undeniable racial slur, and we should put our hands in our pockets to help him pay. Next time he'll learn to keep his mouth shut and play rugby.
If you want to entertain yourself for a while, you can read the comments on the page.
See Also: Joe Marler Finds Himself In Racism Row After Six Nations Chiefs Confirm Investigation
Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
