Gloucester stand by head coach Johan Ackermann and son Ruan amid investigation into nightclub fight

Gloucester chief executive Steve Vaughan has carried out his own investigation into Sunday morning's incident and claimed that accusations being made against the pair are 'untrue'

Johan Ackermann is being investigated by police after a man was injured in a nightclub brawl (Getty)

Gloucester Rugby chief executive Steve Vaughan has vowed to stand by head coach Johan Ackermann and his son, the back-row Ruan Ackermann, after reviewing CCTV of an incident that took place inside a Cheltenham nightclub at the weekend.

Allegations against the South African pair emerged on Monday accusing them of inflicting facial injuries to a man that was involved in a brawl at the 21 Club on Regent Street in the early hours of Sunday morning, hours after Gloucester beat Zebre 69-12 in the European Challenge Cup at Kingsholm.

The man was treated at hospital, Gloucestershire Police confirmed, and an investigation into the altercation between two groups of men is taking place.

However, Gloucester Rugby issued a statement on Tuesday evening strongly supporting both of the Ackermanns, and after Vaughan personally spoke to those involved and reviewed the nightclub’s CCTV footage himself, he stressed the both Johan and Ruan Ackermann have his complete support.

The club also addressed the accusations that are being made against the pair, which they said are “untrue”.

“Gloucester Rugby do not condone violence in any shape or form and having reviewed the evidence, the club stands by the pair unreservedly,” a Gloucester statement read.

Vaughan added: “Gloucester Rugby takes any allegations extremely seriously and we have conducted a full investigation in to this matter.

"Having spoken to Johan, Ruan, the club where the alleged incident took place, the police and other independent witnesses as well as viewing subsequent CCTV footage, I am completely satisfied that whilst an incident did take place, it was instigated by others and not by Johan and Ruan as has been incorrectly reported.

"Both Johan and Ruan have been upset and disappointed by the allegations, but do appreciate the support from Gloucester Rugby fans, players, colleagues, friends and family.”

Ruan Ackermann is also being investigated by police (Getty)

The matter first came to light in the public when a series of allegations were made on social media against the Gloucester head coach and flanker, and police issued a statement to confirm that there was an incident reported in the early hours of Sunday morning and that an investigation was being carried out into the matter, although they added that no one has been arrested at this stage.

“The allegation is that there was an altercation between two groups of men during which one of the men sustained facial injuries,” a Gloucestershire Police statement read. “The incident was reported just before 1.30am. Police officers arrived shortly afterwards but all those involved had left the scene.

“Investigating officers will be examining CCTV footage this week and speaking to witnesses. No-one has been arrested.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 or email 101gloucestershire.police.uk quoting incident 51 of 17 December.”