Leicester coach Geoff Parling angrily confronted TNT Sports presenters during Saturday’s Premiership clash between Gloucester and Leicester at Villa Park.
Presenter Craig Doyle and colleague Liam MacDevitt were carrying out a light-hearted pre-match segment when the incident occurred. As part of a mock “initiation,” MacDevitt was challenged to kick a rugby ball at goal.
However, the attempt took place close to Leicester’s warm-up area, prompting an immediate reaction from Parling. Footage shows the former England international striding over and confronting the pair, clearly angered by the disruption.
The segment had begun playfully, with Doyle joking about initiation traditions before encouraging MacDevitt to take the kick, which drifted just wide of the posts.
Moments later, Parling intervened, exchanging heated words with the presenters and abruptly halting the segment. Doyle quickly apologised on air, acknowledging that the Leicester coach was “not happy” and also apologising for any strong language broadcast.
The incident has divided opinion, with some criticising the presenters for poor timing, while others felt Parling’s reaction was excessive given the light-hearted nature of the segment.
Former Leicester fly-half wrote: "Geoff Parling had a stinker today pushing Craig Doyle, no need for acting like that when the TV broadcasters fund the game,"JOIN THE RUCK:
QUIZ: Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men’s Rugby World Cups?
edge and see if you can name all 26 teams that have played at the Men's Rugby World Cup.
You've got just 5 minutes on the clock – no pressure!
I completely get why Geoff Parling was annoyed here. TNT had no clearance for this and he’s protecting his players but I don’t think he should have shoved Craig Doyle like that. Whether you think Doyle is annoying or not, I don’t think that’s right.