It's always a fiery affair when Wales take on the old enemy England in the 6 Nations, and yesterday's clash was no different.
England prop Dan Cole was sin-binned, and both Joe Marler and Tomas Francis were incredibly lucky not to join him for 'liberal' use of their forerarm and hands respectively.
Tonight, Six Nations officials announced that Wales prop Tomas Francis has been cited for alleged contact with the eye of Dan Cole. If found guilty, Francis will face a lengthy ban.
But arguably the most controversial incident from the game arrived on the back of a minor shoving match, with Six Nations chiefs have confirming earlier on Sunday that they would investigate reports stating Marler, lucky to avoid punishment as it was, called Wales prop Samson Lee "a gypsy boy".
You can judge the incident for yourself here.
The latest on the alleged remark is such: Marler has escaped punishment for an incident where he appears to plant his forearm into the face of Rob Evans - which in itself is a farce - but Six Nations officials tonight confirmed to Wales Online that their investigation into Marler's supposed comment is not finished, and will continue until at least Monday with a deadline on a verdict set at 6pm - 48 hours after the game has completed.
The minimal punishment for verbal abuse on religion, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or otherwise is a four-week suspension.
The Harlequins prop has also been spoken to by Eddie Jones about his conduct in the white jersey. An RFU comment read:
Joe spoke to Samson at half-time to apologise and he was reminded by Eddie of his responsibilities as an England player after the game.
The Welsh Rugby Union responded to the RFU, stating:
We’re disappointed by the comment made, and pleased Joe Marler apologised to Samson and was reminded off his responsibilities as an international rugby player.
It's difficult to second guess as to whether the delay relative to the officials' decision on Francis is a good or a bad thing for Marler, but it certainly suggests the powers that be are looking into it very thoroughly, with his apology to Lee surely likely to factor into any potential punishment he faces.
H/T: Wales Online
