Police investigate Jonny Hill after clash left fan with cut above the eye

Detectives have launched an assault investigation over a rugby fan’s complaint that he was cut above his eye in an altercation with Sale lock Jonny Hill.

A report had been filed to Avon and Somerset police by the supporter after the England and Lions lock allegedly put him in a headlock. The force did not name any individuals involved but told Telegraph Sport in a statement: “Officers are investigating after receiving a report of one man assaulting another at Bath Rugby grounds, in Spring Gardens Road, Bath, on Saturday 1 June. One man received medical attention from a paramedic at the grounds and inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident.”

Club investigations were launched immediately by Hill’s club after the Sharks’ semi-final defeat at the Rec. The 29-year-old, who is 6ft 7in, was not involved in the fixture and was sitting in the friends and family section of the West Stand.

The 28-year-old fan, who did not wish to be named on Saturday evening, had said after the game: “I was sitting 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.’

“To be honest, all I want is a new pair of sunglasses. It is not football. I was sitting with my partner and all her family [Bath fans]. We were Worcester fans. I don’t want to make a big thing.”

In the aftermath of the incident, Sale front-rowers Si McIntyre and Tommy Taylor – both of whom started in the semi-final defeat – rallied round Hill on social media, suggesting that the full story remained unknown.

“Easy headline with one narrative. Get the whole story, pal,” Taylor wrote on X, with McIntyre adding: “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story... the values of rugby are based on respect so salacious headlines only detract from the skill displayed today.”

Alex Sanderson, Sale director of rugby, revealed afterwards he had not seen the incident while also defending Hill’s character.

“It is news to me,” said Sanderson. “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 or spiteful person.”

Hill had been linked with a move away from the Salford Community Stadium at the end of the season, with Lyon his potential destination. But he dislocated a kneecap against La Rochelle in the Champions Cup match on January 24 and has not featured since. He will stay with Sale for a further season.

After confirming an investigation, police urged those who witnessed the incident to “please contact us on 101 and quote reference 5224140921”.