England rugby star Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has admitted ripping a fan's shirt during an altercation at the Recreation Ground after Exeter Chiefs' dramatic Premiership play-off victory over Bath on June 13. The 23-year-old winger, who was in the stands recovering from a broken jaw, said a Bath supporter threw a drink at him, pushed him, and threw a cup in his face as celebrations unfolded in the away section.
Feyi-Waboso Speaks Out on the Altercation
Speaking for the first time about the incident, Feyi-Waboso said: “One of the fans when we were celebrating after, he was leaving at the time. He was absolutely fine during the match, but as soon as he was leaving he chucked a drink over me, pushed me and threw the cup in my face. What can you do apart from rip his shirt? What can you do? So that’s it.”
The England wing, born in Cardiff, was sitting with injured and non-selected Chiefs players after Exeter’s 27-26 win, rather than on the pitch, as he recovered from a broken jaw sustained against Leicester. He described the confrontation as emotions spilled over at the end of the fiercely contested West Country derby.
Bath Fans Criticise Exeter Supporters
However, Bath fans who were present at the match have criticised the behaviour of Feyi-Waboso and Exeter supporters, suggesting they contributed to an uncomfortable atmosphere. According to those supporters, tensions had been building during the game, with verbal exchanges between rival fans continuing as people began to leave the stadium.
Return to Action and Injury Risk
Feyi-Waboso returned to action for Saturday's Premiership final defeat to Northampton, emerging with a wound over his left eye that required stitches. He has been cleared to take part in England’s Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina next month.
The 23-year-old had only recently returned from surgery after breaking his jaw and admitted he took a significant gamble in pushing to return in time for the end-of-season run-in. Discussions took place between Feyi-Waboso, Exeter and England medical staff over whether he could return safely, with the winger acknowledging the risk involved. “They said take a direct blow to the jaw and it’s likely the repair is going to fail, but you can try,” he said. “Going into the game I was like, ‘what if my jaw breaks?’ But it’s a final, you have to do it.”
Disappointment After Final Defeat
Despite the personal relief of avoiding further injury, Feyi-Waboso admitted Exeter’s defeat in the final was a bitter disappointment after they surrendered a late lead against Northampton. “Gutted, disappointed, a lot of overriding feelings,” he said. “I feel like we could have done a lot better, but it is what it is.”
