Gatland made his comment on Tuesday, but, in a statement on Wednesday, said: “I don’t condone racism of any kind”.
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The Rugby Football Union released a statement on Sunday afternoon revealing that Marler apologised to Lee at half-time and was “reminded by (head coach) Eddie Jones of his responsibilities as an England player after the game”.
England’s victory helped them secure the Six Nations title and Wales ended the weekend knowing the best they can hope for come the end of their final match at home to Italy on Saturday is a second-placed finish.
Warren Gatland insists that he “does not condone racism of any kind” after coming under fire for describing a recent Joe Marler remark as “just banter”. Fifteen, 20 years ago, those things were sorted out with fists and stuff.
After Gatland referred to Saturday’s incident as “banter”, ex-Wales captain Gareth Thomas tweeted: “I’m sorry, but I can not agree with this as banter”.
The Harlequins front row appeared before a disciplinary hearing in London on Wednesday where he accepted he had committed an act of foul play.
Joe Marler will not be banned for striking Rob Evans, but it remains to be seen whether he faces punishment for his “gypsy boy” slur.
Players have got to be aware there are microphones everywhere and that comments are going to be picked up.
“Once again I apologise for the upset my inappropriate remark has caused”.
“In fairness to all concerned we do not propose to make any comment on that or any other incident involving Mr Marler until after that hearing”.
They’ve also accepted the explanation provided that the comment was one made in the heat of the moment.
Gatland said that they didn’t have a problem with Marler’s comment and also said that Lee accepted it as a bit of on-field banter. “The incident is being investigated by the Six Nations and we would welcome a definitive and speedy conclusion to their investigation”.
Verbal abuse of a player based on religion, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or otherwise carries an entry-point sanction of four weeks yet Six Nations disciplinary officials have issued no sanction.
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England are due to name their starting XV for the France game, a match that could deliver the team’s first Grand Slam for 13 years, at 10am on Thursday.
