I think what he did was called for.
We have to take into account the aspects of the argument. Did this guy have a reputation of ruining scenes? Was Bale irritated? Is the set, unlike any set he's been on - "unprofessional?" Does the Director have control, or does Bale?
Too many question can arise. I do not blame the man. I've been upset at work too. Allowed work to 'get to me,' until I snapped.
The only fault I can understand, he allowed this situation to unfold way too late. If he did have a problem, he should have spoken up, albeit calmly, the first time.