Gloucester apologise after fan makes obscene gesture toward Billy Vunipola on TV
Gloucester have apologised after a supporter was spotted making an obscene gesture to England number eight Billy Vunipola during television coverage of Friday's Premiership victory over Saracens.
The Cherry and Whites issued a statement to apologise to injured Saracens back-rower Vunipola, who was working as a pundit for BT Sport as the west country club prevailed 31-23 at Kingsholm on Friday night.
Gloucester Rugby statement on supporter behaviour at Saracens game https://t.co/5JrTTgmg5o pic.twitter.com/QTuzxNnrz4
— Gloucester Rugby 🍒 (@gloucesterrugby) February 20, 2017
Gloucester are weighing up whether to impose any punishment on the supporter, who has contacted the club to admit his actions.
"Following the conclusion of the Aviva Premiership victory over Saracens on Friday evening, Gloucester Rugby was made aware of inappropriate behaviour by a supporter in the Lion's Den," read Gloucester's statement.
"The club works hard to create an environment on match days where all are welcome - individuals, families, visiting supporters.
"Rugby union is a game with magnificent traditions, and respect for the opposition and its supporters is one of the most fundamental.
"Gloucester Rugby prides itself on the passionate support it receives from its fan base on match days. However, it simply cannot condone behaviour of this sort and would like to apologise unreservedly to Billy Vunipola, Saracens and BT Sport.
"As is always the case on these live televised occasions, the club had arranged for extra stewarding in the Lion's Den to try and ensure that BT Sport had an appropriate area in which to work.
"Unfortunately, the actions of one individual, however brief, were seen on live television and have tarnished the reputation of the club and its supporters.
"The individual has now come forward and made himself known, and the club is now in the process of determining the best course of action."
