TV replays of the incident clearly showed Gunter stamping on Watt's foot, and the Forest defender has duly been charged by the Football Association for violent conduct.
The FA has has also charged both clubs for failing to control their players following "a mass confrontation", and Bates added that Leeds would defend their corner.
"Gunter appeared to stamp on Sanchez Watt deliberately," Bates told Yorkshire Radio.
"We saw it quite clearly on TV a number of times. We have been charged with the FA for failing to control our players, so we'll have to hear what they say because they have the benefit of video evidence because the game was live on TV, but I do think we should defend our position stoutly.
"What I do think is unfair is that we can't appeal yellow cards which means Watt has no chance to prove his innocence, although the evidence is there."
Source: PA
Source: PA