Geoff Parling issues fresh apology after facing backlash for TNT incident
Geoff Parling issues fresh apology after facing backlash for TNT incident
Leicester Tigers have released a statement after footage appeared on TNT Sports showing Geoff Parling shoving presenter Craig Doyle.
The incident occurred when fellow presenter Liam McDevitt attempted a kick at the posts while the Leicester players were warming up. Parling took exception to this, marching over to the duo before pushing Doyle and urging them to vacate the pitch.
Following the match, Parling spoke to the media about the incident, stating his need to “protect my players” as his reason for the outburst.
“The producer from TNT has just come and apologised to me,” the 42-year-old said.
“They had something set up that wasn’t passed with anybody without our knowledge. I’m very wary, we need to protect my players, and certainly balls flying towards our players that could go anywhere, where there’s an injury risk, and I’m obviously not going to be happy.”
Parling U-Turn
However, following the social media backlash that both Parling and the TNT crew have received since, Leicester Tigers have released a statement claiming that Parling’s “response was unnecessary”, while the Tigers boss admitted that it “wasn’t appropriate”.
“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 young fans to see that,” said the Tigers boss.
“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. After talking last night, we’ll make sure we are fully aligned behind new ideas, including when best to use them, and keep pushing our game to new audiences.”
The full statement reads: “Ahead of the Slater Cup game yesterday, an incident occurred during the warm-up where TNT Sport presenters took a kick at posts under which Tigers players were warming up.
“Whilst this was contrary to standard practise and – as always – the well-being of those players under the posts was Geoff Parling’s primary concern, Leicester Tigers and Geoff Parling accept that the response was unnecessary and would like to apologise unreservedly to everyone involved.
“Those on the ground at Villa Park have also been offered private apologies from Geoff and the club, and Tigers appreciate the apologies for the kick taking place initially.
“Leicester Tigers hope that this matter can now be considered closed, and that attention be turned to the fantastic occasion that The Slater Cup provided once again.’