“He grabbed me by the neck” – England star investigated after incident with fan after Premiership semi-final

Hill is currently recovering from injury – he has not played since January – and watched the game with Sales’ coaching team in the main stand at the Recreation Ground.

When the 2.00 meter tall Hill left his seat after the final whistle – Sale lost 31:23 – and went down the stairs, he got into an argument with the man.

The Bath fan, who asked not to be named, told reporters: “I was sitting there and he came down the stairs, grabbed me by the neck, broke my sunglasses and cut the top of my eye.

“He said it was as if he had said to me, ‘Never do that again.’

“Honestly, I just want a new pair of sunglasses. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it.

“I was sitting with my partner and her whole family. This is not football.”

In a statement, Sale said: “Sale Sharks are aware of an incident involving a player and a Bath Rugby fan at the final whistle of today’s semi-final.

“The club will work with Bath Rugby to complete their investigation into the incident and will have no further comment at this time.”

When asked about the incident at the post-match press conference, Sale rugby director Alex Sanderson said: “This is news to me.

“Jonny is not the aggressive type and I will answer these questions when I know.

“I can vouch for Jonny’s character. He is not an overly aggressive, malicious person.”