By Harry Mottram: The Rugby Pass news website have reported that Sale Sharks’ second-row Jonny Hill faces questions from the police this week over a confrontation he had with a Bath fan in June of this year.
In their report the sports website stated: “Sale have confirmed that Jonny Hill will see the police on Monday to draw a line under last June’s altercation with a Bath supporter at The Rec, and he will then face an RFU disciplinary before becoming available to play again for the Manchester club.”
Turning back the calendar to June 1, it followed a Gallagher Premiership semi-final match in which Bath won 31-23. According to reports Hill, ‘who had sat in the coaches’ box with the Sale management during the game, came down a few steps and got into a tussle with a fan who had turned towards the Sharks staff at full-time and celebrated in their direction.’
Hill was reported as grappling with the spectator – putting him in a headlock and allegedly breaking his glasses and leaving a cut above his right eye.
Ruby Pass wrote on their website: “A member of the Sale coaching team intervened to separate the pair and usher Hill away down the steps of the riverside grandstand and the club then issued a short statement later that night. Sale Sharks are aware of an incident involving a player and Bath Rugby fan at the final whistle of today’s semi-final. The club will work with Bath Rugby to complete an investigation into the incident and will provide no further comment at this time.”
The Guardian’s Gerard Meagher wrote this week: “The Rugby Football Union has been waiting for the outcome of the police investigation before determining whether to charge Hill with misconduct. The 30-year-old British & Irish Lions lock is nearing a return to fitness after a long-term knee injury.”
Sale’s director of rugby, Alex Sanderson said: “We’ve pulled him in, looked at [the incident], hired barristers to make sure everything is done properly. That’s all been on the club. As soon as it comes out in the press, people want to know the answers and give him as much support as possible.
“From our side, we know he was verbally abused as well. I’m not saying I condone acts of violence, you can’t, particularly when you’re meant to be setting an example in the sporting arena, but you want a fair cop at it, don’t you. He’s pretty chilled, Jonny, matter of fact. He’s all right about it. He’s done what he’s done, and is willing to face the consequences on Monday, and thereafter from the RFU.”
Bath Voice Monthly Newspaper is distributed free to thousands of homes and some supermarkets – distributed from the first of the month. Harry Mottram is the News Editor
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Harry Mottram is a freelance journalist. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Telegram, TikTok and Email:harryfmottram@gmail.com
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