Sale’s director of rugby Steve Diamond will not face any disciplinary action following his altercation with an Independent journalist last week.
Diamond launched a verbal attack on Sam Peters after the rugby writer’s column on these pages in September criticised his methods. He confronted Peters in the club’s media centre immediately after the match, which Sale won 30-15, and requested Peters join him outside before snatching his dictaphone.
Part of the incident was captured on camera by a fellow journalist, and Peters later recounted the events in an article for The Independent. But he will not be pursuing the matter by way of official complaint, while the Rugby Football Union has said it will only act if it receives correspondence from those involved.
On Monday, Peters tweeted: “After consulting friends, colleagues and above all my family, I have decided not to pursue this matter further. I have made clear my thoughts on Steve Diamond and what I believe to be his persistent bullying behaviour, but have no interest in dragging out the issue.
“I’m incredibly grateful for all the support I have received in what has been a difficult 48 hours. I hope Diamond will think twice before attempting to intimidate journalists in the future.”
