Police now involved in Jonny Hill incident after supporter ‘cut’ following Premiership semi-final altercation
England lock Jonny Hill has been reported to the police following a bust-up in the aftermath of Sale Sharks’ Premiership semi-final defeat to Bath.
The 29-year-old was accused of putting a supporter in a headlock, which left the person with a cut above his eye and broken sunglasses.
Hill has not played since January after suffering a serious injury during a Champions Cup defeat to La Rochelle, but was in attendance at the Rec cheering on his team-mates.
The second-row’s club, Sale, have since confirmed that they are investigating the incident, releasing a statement not long after reports of a quarrel had surfaced.
The statement
“Sale Sharks are aware of an incident involving a player and Bath Rugby fan at the final whistle of today’s semi-final,” it read.
“The club will work with Bath Rugby to complete an investigation into the incident and will provide no comment at this time.”
The supporter involved in the scuffle, who did not want to be named, was asked about the altercation and gave his account of what he believed transpired.
“I was sat there, and he came down the stairs, grabbed me around the throat, snapped my sunglasses and cut the top of my eye. He was like saying to me ‘don’t ever do that again’,” he said.
“To be honest, all I want is a new pair of sunglasses. It is not football. I was sat with my partner and all her family (Bath fans). We were Worcester fans. I don’t want to make a big thing.”
According to the Telegraph, the fan has now reported the incident to the Avon and Somerset Police, who could investigate.
Sharks boss Alex Sanderson was only made aware of the bust-up in his post-match press conference, but attack coach Paul Deacon was heard apologising to the supporter.
“It is news to me, Jonny is not the aggressive type and I will answer those questions when I know. I can vouch for Jonny’s character, he is not an overly aggressive, spiteful person,” Sanderson said.
Sale’s account
How and why Hill got involved is unclear but Sale supporters took to social media to complain about abuse from Bath fans during Saturday’s Premiership semi-final.
Sharks players have also backed their team-mate including prop Si McIntyre, who played in the match and insisted that the “story is a fabrication.”
“Heightening the profile of the calibre of rugby on display is to the benefit of the game and is welcomed. However, the values of rugby is based on respect so salacious headlines only detracts from the skill displayed today. This story is a fabrication. Congrats to @BathRugby,” he wrote.
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