An investigation against coach John Mitchell has been started by the Golden Lions Rugby Union.

The GLRU said in a statement on Tuesday the New Zealander “has been suspended to provide the union with the opportunity to investigate certain allegations”.

According to the statement, forwards coach Johan Ackermann will take interim charge of the Lions with support from backs coach Carlos Spencer.

The second-last Lions have three matches remaining when the Super 15 resumes this week, against the Stormers, Melbourne and Bulls.

Mitchell was suspended on Friday after local media said “a list of grievances” against him was handed by players to club president Kevin de Klerk.

Mitchell, a former All Blacks coach, left Australia’s Western Force in 2010 after problems with players.