A rugby player suffered major injuries as a match in South Africa descended into chaos on Saturday, with fans storming the pitch and hurling missiles.
The player, whose name has not been stated, was one of a trio attacked by spectators during the fixture between Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth Harlequins at the weekend. Violence broke out at the full-time whistle when fans burst onto the pitch, some of whom were armed with bricks and beer bottles.
The distressing scenes are believed to have occurred after Harlequins defeated their hosts 24-22 thanks to a late penalty. This saw them reach the quarter-finals of the Eastern Cape Super 14 Rugby competition, but the occasion was marred by the behaviour of supporters.
According to South African radio station Algoa FM, police are investigating a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Colonel Priscilla Naidu said three Harlequins players were stabbed at Pellsrus Sports Ground as the game was brought to an end.
"Thus far, only one case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm is opened," Naidu said. She also confirmed that the players injured in the attack - who are believed to have been targeted with broken glass - were treated on the pitch, while one of them has been pictured recovering in hospital.
Eastern Province Rugby Union, the sport's regional governing body, has suspended Jeffreys Bay Rugby Club's home games until its investigation into the "deplorable" incident is complete. A further report from Wales Online cites the initial findings of a report published on Monday which claim the violent scenes broke out after a Jeffreys Bay reserve player assaulted a Harlequins ball boy.
This provocation is believed to have occurred seconds after the final whistle was blown and prompted fans of both teams to storm the pitch, with a fracas breaking out. Further, Jeffreys Bay supporters are believed to have insulted the referees as they vented their fury with seeing their side beaten in dramatic fashion during the last play of the game.
One Harlequins player is said to have been stabbed with a broken bottle neck. He is believed to have sustained "major injuries" to his arm and required surgery, but he has since been discharged "in good spirits". Another player was reportedly beaten with a beer bottle and needed stitches.
The third Harlequins player caught up in the unsavoury incident had a brick thrown at him and was concussed, but he has also been released from hospital. One person has been arrested and the investigation aims to identify the other fans responsible.
South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander told Rugby365: "The reports we have seen are alarming and we shall be writing to the Eastern Province Rugby Union requesting further information. It should go without saying that if the reports are accurate, this behaviour is intolerable and the strongest sanctions should be considered.
"Rugby is a physical game where players go hammer and tongs at each other for 80 minutes, but at the final whistle, we shake hands and have a drink with each other. That is the proud ethos of rugby – this type of behaviour is a disgrace and totally unacceptable."
