Stuart Hogg triggers all-in Top 14 scrap with shunt on France star

Stuart Hogg was at the centre of a late-match altercation during Montpellier’s 20-11 defeat to Toulouse at GGL Stadium in the Top 14.

The incident occurred in the 77th minute when the former Scotland, Glasgow Warriors and Exeter Chief player shoved Toulouse fullback Thomas Ramos from behind, causing the France star to stumble into a ballboy.

The needless altercation triggered an all-in melee between the two sides, ultimately resulting in both Hogg and Ramos being shown yellow cards by referee Jonathan Gashnier.

The match saw Toulouse control the scoreline for much of the game with Ramos contributing significantly to French champions’ tally. Bernard Laporte’s Montpellier took an early lead through a Domingo Miotti penalty in the sixth minute, but Toulouse responded with a penalty and a converted try from Ramos.

Despite another Miotti penalty in the 31st minute and a try for Montpellier through Leo Coly in the 37th, Toulouse went into the half-time break with a slender 11-10 lead over their hosts.

Toulouse extended their lead in the second half with a 43rd minute penalty from Ramos which was followed by a try from Ange Capuozzo in the 45th minute, which Ramos converted, bringing the score to 20-11.

Hogg’s push on Ramos came with the game effectively done and dusted, simmering tensions between the two sides eventually exploding with an ensuing scrap between the teams.

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The on-field incident comes amid a fraught period off the pitch for Hogg, who has been facing legal issues in Scotland.

Earlier this month the 32-year-old appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court after again being arrested for allegedly breaching bail conditions related to charges of domestic abuse involving his estranged wife.

The father of four has denied charges of stalking and controlling behaviour over a seven-year period.

Hogg retired from rugby last summer before signing a two-year contract with Montpellier. He is set to stand trial at Selkirk Sheriff Court later this year.