Tour chief Spencer is attacked in restaurant

LIONS tour manager John Spencer has been subjected to foul-mouthed abuse and assaulted by a drunken Kiwi diner in an Auckland restaurant.

The incident took place at a popular city-centre venue called The Depot, where Spencer was having dinner with his wife and a family friend on Wednesday.

It is understood that the RFU’s senior vice-president was not wearing official attire, but his friend had a Lions shirt on and people nearby gradually became aware of the presence of the former England captain.

Sportsmail has learned that a polite request was made for a photograph to be taken, but one man — a New Zealander described as being ‘quite drunk’ — suddenly became aggressive. He directed abusive language at Spencer (right) and proceeded to shove the 69-year-old.

In response, Spencer pushed the man away and asked to be left alone. No action was taken by the restaurant staff, although there is no suggestion that they or the establishment were negligent in relation to the episode.

The Lions have not made any complaint or asked for action to be taken but they are understood to be quietly aggrieved that a senior member of their touring party — who was part of the victorious squad here in 1971 — has been subjected to such an unsettling experience.

On the whole, Warren Gatland, his players and all staff have been well received and very well treated since their arrival in Auckland on May 31. The reception from most Kiwis has been warm and enthusiastic.

‘The welcome and the hospitality has been awesome,’ said the head coach yesterday.

However, there have been occasional examples of hostility and tension.

Two weeks ago, a Lions fan suffered facial cuts after being punched by a local spectator at Eden Park during the Auckland Blues tour match. Stewards moved in quickly and police reported that two men were ejected from the stadium, which is staging tomorrow’s opening Test.

And when the Lions faced the Maori in Rotorua last weekend, Gatland and his assistants were repeatedly abused by one particularly antagonistic home fan seated above their coaches’ box.