Football team attacked with baseball bats as player has 'life-changing injuries'
Players at an amateur team were attacked as they left their changing rooms after a game on Saturday, with one of their players having to undergo surgery after being left with life-changing injuries
A Welsh footballer has suffered 'life-changing' injuries after his team were attacked with baseball bats as they left the dressing room following a match on Saturday.
Avenue Hotspur traveled to Llanrumney Athletic in Division 1 of the Cardiff & District Football League last weekend. They lost 3-1 at the Eastern Leisure Centre, with the referee handing out three red cards and two yellows after the final whistle.
But as Avenue Hotspur left the ground, their players and coaching staff were attacked. Goalkeeper Joel Collins has been left with a broken knee, with the 32-year-old undergoing surgery.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident, though no arrests have yet been made. Avenue Hotspur have condemned the incident and revealed that Collins is in good spirits despite his injuries.
"We strongly condemn the violence that occurred at the Eastern Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 12 and trust the the police will do all they can to bring those involved to justice," a spokesperson said.
"This shocking incident, in which several players were violently attacked as they left the changing rooms, is completely unacceptable and was a really distressing and frightening experience for everyone involved.
"We are fully cooperating with the police and the South Wales Football Association in their investigations, and our primary at present is focussed on supporting all those affected at this time.
"We are relieved to report that Joel Collins is in good spirits and is currently undergoing surgery to repair a broken knee. In the meantime I would like to thank the wider football community in Wales for their messages of comfort and support at this difficult time for everyone at Avenue Hotspur FC.
"As a family focused community football club proud to represent the Ely Community we are committed to providing a fun filled, safe and inclusive environment for all and are hoping to return to playing in the next few weeks."
South Wales Police have asked for any witnesses to come forward after the incident, which saw a group of individuals with weapons and face-coverings attack the Avenue Hotspur team.
A statement from the force read: "South Wales Police is continuing to investigate an incident of violent disorder in Llanrumney, Cardiff. Shortly after 4pm on Saturday (October 12) police were called to report of an on-going disturbance outside Eastern Leisure Centre, Llanrumney Avenue.
"The disorder followed a football match and involved a group of individuals some of whom were described as having weapons and wearing face-coverings. There were several assaults, including one on a 32-year man from Ely who suffered a life-changing injury, and a vehicle was damaged."
Detective Inspector Daniel Todd added: “The level of violence was appalling and will not be tolerated. This incident has understandably shocked the community, and it must have been very frightening for all involved. We are grateful for information received so far and would appeal for any witnesses to please come forward."
Llanrumney Athletic have also condemned the attack and insist that to their knowledge, none of their players or coaching staff were involved.
A statement from the club read: "Following Saturday's game vs Avenue Hotspurs, Llanrumney Athletic would firstly like to wish anyone injured in the incident a speedy recovery. We were here for football and no one should ever have to worry about whether they will make it to work the next day following a game of football.
"We strongly condemn the actions of the individuals involved in this incident. To the club's knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved in this incident and should any information come to light to contradict this, they will be dealt with accordingly. Llanrumney Athletic is cooperating with all ongoing enquiries."
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