BOTTLE-THROWING PROBE LAUNCHED
OFFICIALS are investigating ugly scenes at BT Murrayfield on Saturday where Neil Craig, a member of England’s backroom staff, was struck on the head by a plastic beer bottle. Although the bottle was empty and caused the high-performance manager no injury, Eddie Jones raised concerns about the incident, which occurred after the England team coach arrived at the stadium. With fans crowded on stairs and walkways above the vehicle, there was a typically hostile reception for the English. Jones was angry over what he saw as a deliberate act. ‘We weren’t expecting beer bottles to be thrown, that’s a new trick,’ he said. ‘It’s a pretty good achievement, throwing beer bottles. You’ve got to be brave to throw a beer bottle.’ Asked if there was a possibility that the RFU would make a formal complaint, Jones added: ‘It’s not going to do anything is it? Everybody knows about it, so someone can do something about it. It’s not good behaviour. ‘If that’s how the Scottish fans will be respectful, then we have to get on with it.’ The SRU have claimed there was no evidence that the bottle was thrown, or that it hit anyone. A spokesperson said: ‘An empty, plastic bottle landed near the team bus as England arrived. All the England players had already entered the stadium. ‘The matter was raised with the England team manager prematch by a member of Scottish Rugby staff and an apology extended. There is no evidence the bottle was thrown or intended to hit any individual.’