The Rugby Football League has begun an investigation into claims by Widnes Vikings player Nick Gregson that he was deliberately targeted in their Championship defeat by Swinton Lions.
Gregson, who previously played for the Greater Manchester side, posted on X, formerly Twitter, alleging that the Swinton team were instructed to target his shoulder, which he had previously dislocated earlier this season.
In the post, Gregson also shared an image which he claimed was posted in the Swinton dressing room of himself with a noose around his neck and the phrase “bully him” written above it.
Swinton have said they “refute the accuracy of the allegations” and are in contact with the RFL and their solicitors.
Widnes have made a formal complaint to the RFL, who told Sport that an independent investigator has been appointed.
The forward said the injury he sustained in the match could see him miss the rest of the second tier season.
The 28-year-old spent three years playing for Swinton before joining Widnes in November and described the photo and alleged targeting of him as “outrageous”.
“We play probably the toughest game of all for not much money and have to have a full-time job on top of that. I am absolutely devastated that we lost and also that I probably can’t play again this year,” he said.
“There is more to life than rugby league and it’s not something I want any part of if that’s deemed acceptable.”
Widnes, who lost Sunday’s game 24-12, said in a statement that they are “100% behind Nick and offering him whatever support he needs”.
The Vikings are fifth in the 14-team Championship, while Swinton are 10th.
