Club backs Ackermanns

GLOUCESTER are unreservedly backing head coach Johan Ackermann and his son Ruan after police said they were being investigated over a nightclub brawl.

The incident occurred in Cheltenham, southwest England in the early hours of Sunday, following Gloucester’s 69-12 win over Italians Zebre in the European Challenge Cup.

Gloucester have conducted their own investigation into what happened and the English Premiership club is confident the claims made against the pair are untrue.

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

“We have spoken to Johan and Ruan, to the club where the alleged incident took place, the police and other independent witnesses, as well as viewing subsequent CCTV footage.

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

“Both Johan and Ruan have been upset and disappointed by the allegations, but appreciate the support from Gloucester fans, players, colleagues, friends and family.”

Photos of the victim’s facial injuries were posted on social media by his sister and have attracted criticism of the Ackermanns.

Gloucester said: “We are aware that individuals are posting comments about the incident which are untrue.

“We do not condone violence in any shape or form and, having reviewed the evidence, the club stands by the pair unreservedly.”

Former South Africa player Johan Ackermann, 47, and 21-year-old Ruan, a back-row forward, joined Gloucester prior to the current campaign.