sport news Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond insists he is no bully after accusations

'The perception is out there': Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond insists he's not a bully following clash with reporter Steve Diamond issued a passionate rebuttal to allegations of bullying Sale's director of rugby had clashed with a journalist after beating Gloucester He claimed he had an 'old-school' style and was supported by senior players 

By Chris Foy for the Daily Mail

Published: 22:01 GMT, 1 January 2019 | Updated: 22:01 GMT, 1 January 2019

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Steve Diamond mounted a staunch defence of himself and his club - denying that he presides over a bullying culture at Sale, in the wake of a clash with a journalist last weekend.

Following his side’s victory over Gloucester at Kingsholm, the Sharks’ director of rugby was involved in a heated exchange with a reporter who had previously criticised his regime at the Cheshire club. 

Video footage showed Diamond being repeatedly condemned as a ‘bully’, while Gloucester fans accused him of being aggressive and abusive during the match.

Steve Diamond issued a passionate statement defending himself from accusations of bullying

Steve Diamond issued a passionate statement defending himself from accusations of bullying

The former hooker denied those allegations, he will not face any charges and he declared the matter ‘closed’. But after another episode which has reinforced his reputation for volatility, he was reluctantly drawn into a defence of his behaviour and methods.

Asked if he has a confrontational manner, Diamond said: ‘No.’ When pressed about whether his man-management style could be construed as confrontational, he said: ‘Occasionally.’ 

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