Sale Sharks director Steve Diamond boils over in post-match fracas with media - reports

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby has reportedly been involved in an altercation with a journalist following his side’s 30-15 away win over Gloucester in the Premiership, according to multiple media sources including The Independent and The Guardian.

Thanks for concern (most). I can confirm an altercation took place between me and Steve Diamond after he ‘offered me out’ tonight. I’ll recount in full at right time. Safe to say more play school than old school from a man I consider to be nothing more than a narcissistic bully.

— Sam Peters (@PlantedSam) December 29, 2018

Diamond had completed his post-match press conference when he confronted journalist Sam Peters why he had not asked any questions following Sale’s upset win. He then suggested the pair step outside for further discussion, over which Peters claims Diamond ‘attempted to physically intimidate me’ and ‘steal a piece of his property’.

The Sale coach reportedly snatched a recording device off Peters which lead to shouting between the two, which Peters calling Diamond ‘a bully’.

Let me think. Maybe it was something to do with your Director of Rugby offering me outside, attempting to physically intimidate me and stealing a piece of my property. https://t.co/qKKZ357AQb

— Sam Peters (@PlantedSam) December 29, 2018

In September, Peters published a scathing review in The Independent criticising the ‘old-school’ methods of the 50-year-old’s regime at Sale. The detailed article listed Diamond’s previous indiscretions which led to multiple suspensions and controversies for the coach, involving blow-ups with rival Directors, public criticism of referees and abuse of match officials and public dissent at the HIA protocols implemented to improve player welfare.

Diamond seemed to take offence to Peters not asking a question in Sale’s win over Gloucester, which led to the confrontation where Peters’ earlier article was raised.

The incident has somewhat overshadowed the gloss over the club’s first away win of the season.

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