WATCH: Chiefs prop sent off for dangerous challenge on England's Joe Marler

Exeter Chiefs prop Alec Hepburn received a straight red card on Saturday for a dangerous clear out on England and Harlequins star Joe Marler.

The incident came on the stroke of half time when Marler was contesting for the ball at a ruck and Hepburn, together with number eight Sam Simmonds, attempted to clear away the prop.

However in doing so Marler was lifted into the air and landed on his head in a dangerous manner, which after a lengthly TMO review, left referee Ian Tempest no choice but to show Hepburn a red card.

What is Joe Marler saying to Alec Hepburn? 👀#GallagherPrem https://t.co/m3tXBknEFd pic.twitter.com/qz8i5BLHBR

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 8, 2022

The prop was deemed responsible for the incident because he lifted Marler’s leg above horizontal while Simmonds appeared to make a fair challenge on the England veteran.

It doesn’t look pretty in real time, nor in slow-motion.

Exeter Chiefs prop Alec Hepburn is sent off for this reckless clear out on Joe Marler.#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/W3oG3nfNnm

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 8, 2022

In the end it was Quins who came away with a dramatic 14-12 win thanks to the footballing skills of Marcus Smith.