10-week ban for England forward Hill after clash with supporter

Sale and England forward Jonny Hill was given a 10-week ban, four of which are suspended, after physically abusing a fan during a clash in the stands last season.

Hill was alleged to have grabbed the 28-year-old supporter around the throat, leaving the man with a cut above his eye after an altercation.

He became involved with the fan as he left his seat and walked down the steps following Sale's English Premiership play-off defeat at Bath in June.

Hill, who missed the game through injury and was watching from the stands, appeared before an independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday for an alleged breach of the Rugby Football Union's rule 5.12.

In a statement released by the RFU, panel chair Philip Evans KC said: "The panel concluded the appropriate starting point was a 20-week suspension from playing.

"They also found the circumstances of this case to be exceptional and as a consequence, and because of the substantial mitigation available to Jonny Hill, that starting point was reduced to 10 weeks, four of which will be suspended until the conclusion of the 25/26 season.

"In addition, he is required to give a presentation to young players at the club which is to be recorded and provided to the RFU."

The panel did not release details of the mitigating circumstances.

Hill, who has not played for Sale this season, accepted the charge and is eligible to return on December 7.