İn racial abuse investigation after footage emerges of Samson Lee being called "gypsy boy"

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• published: 13 Mar 2016
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Video footage has emerged of Lee being called a ‘gypsy boy’ during the first-half of the 25-21 defeat of Wales by England Wales prop Samson Lee may have been racially abused during the Six Nations defeat by England yesterday. Six Nations chiefs have confirmed they are currently investigating the allegations. Video footage has emerged of Lee being called a ‘gypsy boy’ during the first-half of the 25-21 defeat of Wales by England. Audio picked up by referee Craig Joubert's microphone during a first-half melee clearly picks up the offensive words being shouted close to the Scarlets forward. Shortly afterwards, prop Joe Marler is seen striding towards Lee - who has spoken openly about his heritage - before the pair square up. The incident has since been posted on social media sites, with some fans calling on Six Nations chiefs to take action. There are other England players around in the footage but Lee is seen to react towards Marler immediately after the comment. A Six Nations spokesperson told WalesOnline: “We are aware of the incident and we will be investigating. It is certainly a matter we take very seriously. We will need to fully review the match and speak to all the relevant parties.” The RFU and WRU have both been approached for comment. Marler could find himself in hot water anyway after what looked like a forearm smash in the face of Wales prop Rob Evans after Dan Cole had a try disallowed for England. The Harlequins prop could be cited with the same sanction applying for Wales replacement front-rower Tomas Francis who was penalised for putting his hands in the eyes of Cole in the second-half. The decision made by South African referee Craig Joubert was just a penalty but the official warned there could be further punishment. And Wales coach Warren Gatland immediately stated afterwards that his first reaction was that it didn’t look good.