Leicester Tigers statement: Geoff Parling 'incident'

Leicester Tigers have issued a statement in athe aftermath of the Geoff Parling incident with Craig Doyle at the Slater Cup on Saturday.

The statement includes an apology from Parling, the head coach appearing to do a u-turn after initially defending his foul-mouthed exchange with Doyle.

Parling clashed with the TNT Sports presenter before the Gallagher PREM match against Gloucester after a stunt saw newcomer Liam MacDevitt attempt a touchline conversion toward players warming up.

The kick flew in Leicester’s direction, prompting Parling to intervene gruffly, pushing Doyle aside and saying the situation was “****ing not on.”

He later told BBC Radio Leicester that TNT had set up the segment without informing the club and that he acted to protect his players from injury risk. A TNT producer apologised to him afterward.

The club have issued a full statement on the matter this Sunday.

The Leicester Tigers statement reads: “Ahead of the Slater Cup game yesterday, an incident occured during the warm-up where TNT Sport presenters took a kick at posts under which Tigers players were warming up. Whilst this was contrary to standard practise and – as always – the well-being of those players under the posts was Geoff Parling’s primary concern, Leicester Tigers and Geoff Parling accept that the response was unnecessary and would like to apologise to everyone involved.

Geoff Parling said, “I would like to apologise for the incident pre-game yesterday – it is important we stay a family focused game and it wasn’t appropriate for viewers to see that.”

“We have a great product in the Prem and I offer my thanks to Craig Doyle and TNT for continuing to innovate and think differently. After talking last night we’ll make sure we are fully aligned behind new ideas, including when best to use them; and keep pushing our game to new audiences.”

“Those on the ground at Villa Park have also been offered private apologies from Geoff and the club, and Tigers appreciate the apologies for the kick taking place initially.”

“Leicester Tigers hope that this matter can now be considered closed, and that attention be turned to the fantastic occasion that The Slater Cup provided once again.”