England forward has been handed a big ban following altercation with a fan

Yesterday at 02:12 PM

Sale Sharks second row Jonny Hill has been hit with a six-week ban for his altercation with a Bath supporter after an independent Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel found grounds for "substantial mitigation."

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A Scuffle in the Stands!

Following the conclusion of Sale's Premiership semi-final defeat to Bath in June, Hill was seen engaging in a scuffle with a home supporter. Hill was injured at the time and was sat alongside the Sale coaches, with the supporter complaining of broken sunglasses and reporting the incident to Avon and Somerset Police.

RFU Investigates: The Waiting Game!

The RFU could only launch its own investigation once the police inquiries had been concluded. Hill accepted the charge of breaching RFU Rule 5.12 – for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game and/or Union in circumstances – in his altercation with the supporter.

From 20 Weeks to Just Six!

This can carry one of the highest sanctions in the RFU's disciplinary code. However, the panel chaired by Philip Evans KC reduced the sanction from 20 weeks to 10 – with four suspended – meaning Hill, who is fit again following a long-term knee injury, will be available to play again for Sale Sharks in their Champions Cup match against Glasgow Warriors on December 7.

A Special Presentation Required!

In the panel's conclusion, Evans wrote: "The panel concluded the appropriate starting point was a 20-week suspension from playing.

"They also found the circumstances of this case to be exceptional and, as a consequence, and because of the substantial mitigation available to Jonny Hill, that starting point was reduced to 10 weeks, four of which will be suspended until the conclusion of the 25/26 season.

"In addition, he is required to give a presentation to young players at the club which is to be recorded and provided to the RFU. He will be available to play for Sale on December 7, 2024."

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