Leicester's Geoff Parling Issues Apology After Pre-Match Altercation with Craig Doyle
Leicester boss Geoff Parling has publicly apologized following a tense confrontation with TV presenter Craig Doyle before their Gallagher Premiership match against Gloucester at Villa Park on Saturday. The incident arose when Doyle invited Liam MacDevitt to attempt a conversion, which resulted in the ball flying towards the area where the Tigers players were warming up. Parling's reaction was immediate and intense; he approached Doyle, pushed him, and exclaimed, "It’s f** not on," after Doyle jokingly asked, "Would you sign him, Geoff?" In a statement released by Leicester on Sunday, Parling expressed regret, stating: "I would like to apologise for the incident pre-game yesterday – it is important we stay a family-focused game and it wasn’t appropriate for viewers to see that." He acknowledged the efforts of TNT Sports, saying: "We have a great product in the Gallagher Prem and I offer my thanks to Craig Doyle and everyone at TNT for continuing to innovate and think differently." Leicester confirmed that Parling had also extended private apologies to those present at Villa Park and acknowledged the initial kick that instigated the altercation. Doyle, in response to the incident, remarked on air, "Geoff not happy about that." After the match, Parling reiterated his stance to BBC Radio Leicester, explaining that the situation had not been communicated to him beforehand and that he needed to protect his players from potential injury risks. TNT Sports has yet to comment on the matter.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-03-29