A shocking post-match attack left a Welsh football player with life-changing injuries after being assaulted with baseball bats outside the changing rooms.
Joel Collins, a player for Avenue Hotspur, was rushed to hospital with a broken knee following the violent incident on October 12 at Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney.
The attack occurred after Avenue Hotspur’s 3-1 defeat to Llanrumney Athletic in a Cardiff & District Football League match, which had already seen tensions rise with three red cards and two yellow cards issued.
Avenue Hotspur condemned the assault, describing how players were ambushed as they left the changing rooms.
Llanrumney Athletic also strongly condemned the violence, stating none of their players or staff were involved. South Wales Police are investigating, with Detective Inspector Daniel Todd expressing shock at the level of violence and appealing for witnesses to come forward. Collins is currently undergoing surgery, and both clubs are cooperating fully with the investigation.
— Avenue Hotspur Football Club (@avenuehotspurfc) October 13, 2024
