A 28-year-old man claimed he was grabbed around the throat and left with a cut above his eye after an incident involving Sale Sharks’ England striker Jonny Hill following Bath’s victory in Gallagher Premiership play-offs.
Hill is currently recovering from injury, having not played since January, and watched the match with the Sale coaching staff in the main stand at the Recreation Ground.
As the 6-foot-7 Hill left his seat after the final whistle of the game, which Sale lost 31-23, and walked down the stairs, he became involved with the man.
The Bath supporter, who wished to be named, told reporters: “I was sitting there, and he came down the stairs, grabbed me by the throat, broke my sunglasses and cut my top of the eye.
“He told me ‘don’t ever do that again’.
“To be honest, all I want is a new pair of sunglasses. I don’t want to do much.
“I was sitting with my partner and all her family. It’s not football.”
Sale released a statement confirming they were investigating the allegations.
“Sale Sharks are aware of an incident involving a Bath Rugby player and fan at the final whistle of today’s semi-final,” the club’s statement said.
“The club will work with Bath Rugby to complete an investigation into the incident and will provide no further comment at this time.”
When asked about the incident during his post-match press conference, Sale rugby director Alex Sanderson had no knowledge of the incident.
“That’s news to me,” Sanderson said. “Jonny is not the aggressive type, and I will answer these questions when I find out.
“I can vouch for Jonny’s character. He’s not an overly aggressive malicious person.”
