England international Jonny Hill allegedly had altercation with fan after Sale win

Bath reached the English Premiership final with a tense 31-23 victory over Sale that was marred by Sharks star Jonny Hill's alleged clash with a fan after the final whistle on Saturday.

Johann van Graan's side will face Northampton in their first Premiership final for nine years despite a stirring fightback from Sale at the Recreation Ground.

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Sale's defeat was compounded by allegations of a nasty altercation between England's Lock Hill and a Bath supporter.

Hill, 29, is currently recovering from injury and watched the game with the Sale coaching staff in the main stand.

As he left his seat at the end of the match, he came down the stairs and apparently got involved with the 28-year-old fan, who told reporters that Hill “grabbed me by the throat, broke my sunglasses and cut my upper body.” eye”.

In response to the allegation, the Sharks said: “Sale is aware of an incident involving a Bath Rugby player and fan at the final whistle of today's semi-final.

“The club will work with Bath Rugby to complete an investigation into the incident and will provide no further comment at this time.”

Sale Rugby director Alex Sanderson added: “This is news to me. Jonny is not the aggressive type and I will answer these questions when I find out.

“I can vouch for Jonny's character. He's not an overly aggressive malicious person.”

– 'Belief is back' –

Sale had erased an 18-5 deficit before two second-half Finn Russell penalties and a late Niall Annett try propelled Bath into next Saturday's title match at Twickenham.

Ted Hill and Beno Obano also scored for Bath, while Russell scored 16 points from four penalties and two conversions.

Sale also scored three tries as Ben Curry, Tommy Taylor and Tom O'Flaherty all crossed, with George Ford adding two penalties and a conversion.

There was no fairytale return to action for Sale and England flanker Tom Curry, who played for 33 minutes off the bench in his first appearance since the World Cup after suffering a major hip surgery.

Hailing Bath's progress to the final as a reward for their patient rebuilding work, Van Graan said: “I'm very grateful for days like this.

“This group of players and staff have made a difference to the lives of the people of Bath. We have restored confidence and pride in the shirt.

“I saw them being part of an incredible club today and we created a journey that went from hope to belief, and belief is back at Bath Rugby.”