Ackermann and son accused of assault
The Daily Mail reported that the Ackermanns have been implicated in a nightclub confrontation which left a man with facial injuries and is now the subject of a police investigation.
A woman called Christina Woods made allegations via social media on Sunday and Monday against Ackermann, 47, the West Country club's South African coach, and his 21-year-old son Ruan, the No.8 who was named Premiership Player of the Month for November.
According to the newspaper relatives of the injured man claimed that he was 'beaten up' and released pictures showing several cuts and grazes on his face and head.
Woods launched a verbal tirade against the Ackermanns on social media – calling them "scum" and "oxygen wasting thugs".
Local police released a statement which read: "Gloucestershire Constabulary is investigating a report of an incident which happened at the 21 Club in Regent Street, Cheltenham, in the early hours of Sunday morning – December 17.
"The allegation is that there was an altercation between two groups of men, during which one of the men sustained facial injuries.
"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."
It is understood that complaints have been made directly to the club, whose spokesman said: "Gloucester Rugby are aware of the allegations. The club cannot make any further comment at this stage."
The alleged incident took place hours after Gloucester's 69-12 European Challenge Cup victory over Italian side Zebre at Kingsholm.
That result maintained the club's positive momentum of late, which has seen them climb to second in the Premiership table.
The up-turn in fortunes has coincided with the arrival of the Ackermanns, following their successful season with the Lions, which led to a place in the Super Rugby Final for second successive year.
Source: Daily Mail
