Following disturbing allegations made by Widnes Vikings player Nick Gregson, Super League fans have reacted.
Nick Gregson, via Twitter, commented shortly after his side lost 24-12 to Swinton Lions in the RFL Championship.
He alleged that Swinton coach Alan Kilshaw had encouraged his players to target his shoulder – which he had problems with during his time at Swinton last year.
Attached to the tweet was an image of his headshot, with the words ‘GREGSON; BULLY HIM’, and a noose photoshopped around his neck.
After this, Widnes Vikings confirmed they had contacted the RFL and shared a message of support for Gregson.
Swinton Lions, meanwhile, “refute” the accuracy of the image and claim they are in contact with the RFL and solicitors.
Super League fans respond to Gregson’s allegations
Credit: Imago Images
Swinton Lions have a dual registration link with St Helens, and the sides met in a pre-season friendly this year.
However, Saints fans, seeing the allegations, were unhappy, with many calling for the partnership to be ended and/or reviewed.
Most loan deals from Super League clubs to lower-division sides tend to be for young players, and some suggested that Swinton was not the right environment for young players to develop.
Pull the dual reg, lads, @Saints1890. You don’t want the young lads around a walloper like that, the noose picture is a disgrace. https://t.co/X8G1UHpBIA
— Sporting Chemist (@sportingchemist) July 7, 2024
Didn’t he provide a literal picture as proof? @Saints1890 end the partnership with the club please. I don’t want any of our players associated with the horrible culture https://t.co/toywuCAo57
— Hayley (@Hayleyyemma) July 8, 2024
Hi @Saints1890 – I’ve followed Saints for many years. Whilst I understand why we entered into a dual reg agreement with Swinton, I’m concerned about our players being in this kind of environment. Will the arrangement now be reviewed or paused pending investigation?
— The Tryline 🏉 (@TrylineUK) July 7, 2024
This is awful. I’d hope St Helen’s take action regarding our partnership with Swinton if no action is taken. I don’t want any of our youngsters to be a part of his dressing room. All the best Nick.
— Saint Philip (@ppphhhiiillliip) July 7, 2024
Similarly, Salford fans felt much the same. Swinton signed young half-back Kai Morgan, from the Red Devils, on a short-term deal last week.
Never give these fuckers any of our players on loan again, immediately recall Morgan. Absolutely horrendous this, horrible, horrible coach and reflects really bad on the club. https://t.co/21VtB03Ati
— Ryan Fisher 🇬🇧 (@fisher_ryan1) July 7, 2024
Disgusting don’t send anymore Salford players there! https://t.co/DtKyEW5Wb8
— Jack Valentine (@Jackvalentine96) July 7, 2024
Other Super League fand, though, also shared their disgust – and support for Gregson.
This is disgusting he should be sacked for this and he needs investigating by the police definitely I’m a Wire fan and this shouldn’t be happening
— #HardWired#WTID!! (@wattolasswwrflc) July 7, 2024
I’ve seen some things in my time watching Rugby League but this is definitely up there as one of the most vile. There is a line and the Swinton coach has massively crossed it. Hopefully his club and the RFL will take appropriate action. https://t.co/EqdjtmjjST
— Michael Lavelle (@mikelavelle93) July 7, 2024
Widnes Vikings had been quick to support Gregson, posting the following statement: “Widnes Vikings can confirm that following information on social media tonight regarding Nick Gregson, we have made a formal complaint to the RFL, who have acknowledged it and are launching a full investigation.
“The club is 100% behind Nick and is offering him whatever support he needs. In view of the now ongoing investigation, the club will be making no further comment.”
The RFL have since confirmed to Serious About Rugby League that an investigation has been instigated with both clubs informed of that.
