During TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage of the Leicester Tigers versus Gloucester match at Villa Park, an unexpected confrontation unfolded live on air involving Leicester Tigers head coach Geoff Parling and presenter Craig Doyle.
The incident occurred as former footballer turned presenter Liam McDevitt attempted a penalty kick as part of his initiation on the channel. His shot veered wide, landing dangerously close to the Leicester players warming up. As Doyle joked and invited Parling to comment, the coach responded sharply: “That’s not on. That’s f***ing not on. Get off the pitch,” accompanied by a firm push on Doyle’s shoulder.
The presenter quickly stepped back, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. Parling later explained in a post-match press conference that the broadcasters had arranged the kick-up without informing the club, creating a risk to player safety. “I need to protect my players. Balls flying near them could cause injury,” he emphasized, adding that TNT Sports had apologized for the oversight.
READ MORE: M5 Closure and Diversions Following Diesel Spill After Lorry Hits Central Reservation
READ MORE: M5 Traffic Delays Exceed One Hour Following Serious Lorry Crash
Social media reactions were mixed, with some criticizing Parling’s language and behavior on live television, while others supported his concern for player safety and criticized the broadcaster’s approach. The disagreement highlighted underlying tensions between clubs and broadcasters, particularly given TNT Sports’ significant financial investment—approximately £40 million annually—in Premiership rugby broadcasting rights.
Despite the pre-match controversy, Leicester Tigers dominated the game, securing a comfortable 37-16 victory over Gloucester. The win allowed them to claim the Slater Cup, held in honor of former player Ed Slater, who is living with motor neurone disease.