Tuesday 19 December 2017 16:57, UK
Gloucester Rugby are standing by head coach Johan Ackermann and his son Ruan, who plays for the club, over claims the pair were involved in a fight outside a nightclub in Cheltenham.
Gloucestershire Police confirmed they are investigating the altercation after images of a man with facial injuries emerged on social media following the incident outside the 21 Nightclub in Regent Street in Cheltenham in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The club say they are aware of the reports, but insist that Ackermann and his son were not involved in the incident.
In a statement on the club's website, Gloucester Rugby CEO Stephen Vaughan said: "Gloucester Rugby takes any allegations extremely seriously and we have conducted a full investigation into this matter.
"Having spoken to Johan, Ruan, the club where the alleged incident took place, the police and other independent witnesses as well as viewing subsequent CCTV footage, I am completely satisfied that whilst an incident did take place, it was instigated by others and not by Johan and Ruan as has been incorrectly reported.
"Both Johan and Ruan have been upset and disappointed by the allegations, but do appreciate the support from Gloucester Rugby fans, players, colleagues, friends and family."
Gloucester had earlier beaten Italian side Zebre 69-12 in the European Challenge Cup at Kingsholm.
There have so far been no arrests.
Gloucestershire Constabulary is now studying CCTV footage, and will be interviewing witnesses later this week.
"The allegation is that there was an altercation between two groups of men during which one of the men sustained facial injuries," they said in a statement.
"The incident was reported just before 1.30am. Police officers arrived shortly afterwards but all those involved had left the scene."
Gloucester rugby club have confirmed they are also looking into the allegations.
