Police review CCTV footage as probe continues into incident involving Gloucester duo

Police are reviewing CCTV footage as they continue their investigation into the fracas involving Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann and his son Ruan that left a man with facial wounds.

The incident took place outside the 21 Club nightclub in Cheltenham in the early hours of Sunday morning, police said, shortly after Zebre had been defeated 69-12 in a Challenge Cup match at Kingsholm.

Former South Africa international Johan Ackermann, pictured, and his son, a No 8, joined Gloucester ahead of the 2017-18 season.

The pair have received the full backing of their club, who are confident they will be cleared after conducting their own enquiry into the incident.

“Police are continuing to investigate an incident at a Cheltenham night club in which a man sustained facial injuries,” a statement issued by Gloucestershire police yesterday read.

“The incident happened at the 21 Club in Regent Street in the early hours of Sunday morning, 17 December, where there was an altercation between two groups of men.

“During this a man, who is in his twenties, suffered facial injuries.

“He did not receive medical attention at the time but has since attended a minor injuries unit in Worcestershire.

“His injuries include bruising, grazing and, as with any injury to the head, there were concerns over potential concussion.

“Investigating officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the nightclub and speaking to a number of people who were there when the incident occurred.

“No arrests have been made at this stage. The officers would like to hear from any independent witnesses who were inside or outside the club when the incident took place, or who has information which would help them with their enquiries.” The victim’s sister has used social media to release details of the alleged assault, including photos of the facial wounds said to have been sustained.

But having examined evidence arising from the fracas, Gloucester are confident that the claims made against the Ackermanns are false.

“We take any allegations extremely seriously and we have conducted a full investigation into this matter,” chief executive Stephen Vaughan said.

“I’m completely satisfied that while an incident did take place, it was instigated by others and not by Johan and Ruan as has been incorrectly reported.”