No complaint to be made against Steve Diamond

The journalist who was involved in an altercation with Sale Sharks boss Steve Diamond will not make a formal complaint to the Rugby Football Union.

Diamond reportedly confronted Sam Peters of the Independent after the post-match press conference at Sale’s 30-15 victory over Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Peters gave his side of the story in Monday’s Independent and insisted that Diamond called him outside to have a “proper chat” in a “school-playground” type manner.

He said he believes an article he wrote, in which he criticised Diamond’s methods, led to the Sale Sharks director of rugby confronting him.

“After consulting friends, colleagues and above all my family, I have decided not to pursue this matter further,” Peters told Sky Sports.

“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 the issue out any further.

“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.”

If Peters went ahead with the formal complaint the RFU could have been forced to launch an investigation against Diamond for bringing the game into disrepute.

Diamond now seems certain to avoid any punishment as a complaint must be made to trigger an inquiry into the incident.