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Diamond escapes disciplinary action after altercation with journalist

Steve Diamond

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond will not face a disciplinary hearing following an angry confrontation with a journalist at the end of his side’s win at Gloucester on Saturday.

Freelancer Sam Peters, who was reporting on the match for the Sunday Times, claims Diamond invited him to “go outside” after his press conference.

Diamond, 50, was angry about an article Peters had written for The Independent three months earlier, in which he had claimed the former Sale hooker created an intimidating atmosphere at the club and did not pay proper regard to player safety.


Telegraph reporter Ben Coles filmed the altercation and later posted it on social media (above). Peters can be seen calling Diamond a “bully”, while the Director of Rugby tells the journalist to “go away”.

The Rugby Football Union will take no further action after Peters decided not to make a formal complaint about the matter. Diamond defended his methods on Wednesday, saying a number of players would not have signed new deals if they did not enjoy working with him.

“I don’t think I am misunderstood,” he said. “I think it’s a case of a couple of people forming their opinion. I am a massive believer in looking after our assets and our players.”

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