Two arrests have been made after Welsh team Avenue Hotspur get attacked with baseball bats leaving one player with life-changing injuries.
It came following the Cardiff & District League Division 1 fixture, a 3-1 defeat for Avenue Hotspur against Llanrumney Athletic at Eastern Leisure Centre in Cardiff with several players from Avenue Hotspur were attacked as they left the changing rooms on the 12th of October.
The game saw three red and two yellow cards following the final whistle. But it was what happened after that shocked everyone.
Keeper Joel Collins, 32, had his kneecap smashed when being attacked by a group carrying weapons including a baseball bat, bike seats and other objects.
Collins, currently in hospital, is said to have had his kneecap smashed and now requires surgery, but is staying in “good spirits”.
Statement from Avenue Hotspur FC
“We strongly condemn the violence that occurred at the Eastern Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 12th and trust the the police will do all they can to bring those involved to justice.
“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.”
The club added: “No one should ever go to a recreational football match on a Saturday and not be able to make it to work on Monday morning.
“As a club we will do all we can to can to ensure that Joel Collins is fully supported throughout his recovery.
“Our first mission with that is to ensure his bills are paid…
“If you would like to contribute please use the details below
Avenue Hotspur Football Club Bank Details 30-98-97 72699063
Ref: Joel
“Many thanks for your continued support, calls and messages of comfort and reassurance today. Family!”
— Avenue Hotspur Football Club (@avenuehotspurfc) October 13, 2024
Police are investigating and opponents Llanrumney Athletic said it “condemned the actions of the individuals involved” and believed its players and coaching staff did not take part.
“Following Saturday’s game vs Avenue Hotspurs, Llanrumney Athletic would firstly like to wish anyone injured in the incident a speedy recovery,” the statement said.
“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.”
South Wales Police said it was investigating “violent disorder” which resulted in a “life-changing injury”.
They confirmed “several assaults” had been reported following the game at around 4pm, while a vehicle was also damaged.
Det Insp Daniel Todd said: “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.”
Police have since added that a 28-year-old man from Trowbridge and a 22-year-old man from Llanrumney were arrested in connection with the incident and remain in custody with the investigation is ongoing.
Attendees told BBC Wales that they had see a group attack some Avenue Hotspur players as they left the changing room with baseball bats and other weapons.
Here’s how fans reacted with arrests made after the team get attacked with baseball bats leaving one player with life-changing injuries…
@AFCWattstown: Absolutely shocking lads.. acting like that with women an kids around is as low as it gets. All the best lads
@davs28: Speedy recovery to your player.
@pam061: That’s awful, wishing your keeper a speedy recovery
@willcall1985: Wishing Joel all the very best
@TheRewiredPod: Can’t believe what I read! Totally unacceptable!! All the best to Joel, Speedy recovery mate! This is utterly insane!!! What on earth is going on!! Get well soon Joel Collins! Hope you are back at it asap!
@Richardbun49262: Shocking hope your player gets back playing soon , park football never any room for this sort of shit .
@KateOLoughlin1: Llanrumney scumbags doing that. Terrifying that lads can do that
@goalpostsbaker: Should be kicked out the league & more measures in place to stop this from happening. It’s been this bad for years.
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