Joe Marler has refuted the suggestion that he is a racist ahead of his World Rugby disciplinary hearing tomorrow.
The England prop is under investigation for branding Wales's Samson Lee a "gypsy boy" during a Six Nations encounter at Twickenham last month.
Marler has revealed that he will accept any punishment that is given to him, but stressed that his actions were a mistake rather than an act of racism.
"I'm not a racist. What I said to Samson was out of order and wrong and I am sorry it was said, we shook hands at the end of the game and looked to move on. Whatever happens to me tomorrow I will accept," the 25-year-old wrote on Twitter.
"I'm sorry to anyone who was offended, saying it was in the 'heat of the moment' isn't an excuse, but one comment, one mistake, does not make me a racist. My wife, kids, family and friends (yes, I do have some friends) know this.
"Thanks to the people who have supported me and have understood that I made a mistake and sorry again to the people I offended."
The Six Nations disciplinary board opted not to punish Marler for the offence, which prompted World Rugby to intervene.
Liam Apicella
