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Principality Stadium ban warning after elderly spectator seriously injured

10 Nov 2022 3 minute read
The Principality Stadium (Credit: Creative Commons).

Anyone found to be responsible for an alleged altercation during the Wales vs New Zealand match which left an elderly bystander seriously injured have been warned they will be barred from the Principality Stadium.

Shortly before 4.30pm on Saturday, 5 November, South Wales Police was called to reports of an altercation between two men at the Principality Stadium during the Wales vs New Zealand match.

An 80-year-old male bystander who was injured remains in hospital receiving treatment for a serious neck injury, police have said.

The two men, aged 20 and 32, were arrested for assault and are on bail and released under investigation respectively while enquiries continue.

Police are appealing for anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward.

WRU Group Chief Executive Steve Phillips said: “The Welsh Rugby Union joins South Wales Police in their appeal for further information and footage of the incident. We thank our stewards and responding officers on the scene for responding so quickly and our thoughts are with the innocent individual affected and his family.  

“We condemn the behaviour of those involved and deeply regret the incident on Saturday and wish the individual a speedy recovery.

“I cannot comment further on the incident given the ongoing police investigation but, once that investigation is complete, arrangements which ensure those found to be responsible will not be welcomed back to Principality Stadium will follow. 

“Anti-social behaviour of any kind has no place in Welsh rugby, and whilst this isolated incident has no bearing on the majority of supporters who attend games at Principality Stadium, we reiterate our appeal to supporters enjoy themselves responsibly this Saturday whilst attending the Argentina match and during the games that follow.”

Footage appeal

PC Georgina Charlton from South Wales Police said: “An 80-year-old male bystander who was injured remains in hospital receiving treatment for a serious neck injury.

“Both he and his family are grateful for the support they have received from the rugby community.

 “South Wales Police would like to thank witnesses who have already come forward with information following media coverage of this incident.

“We are now keen to hear from anyone who may have mobile phone footage of what happened and the moments leading up to the elderly gentleman being knocked over.”

 Anyone with footage is asked to please contact South Wales Police online or by calling 101 quoting reference *375175.

Alternatively, mobile phone footage may be submitted online.


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CommonSense
CommonSense
1 year ago

Just a giant pub.

How many would go if football rules around alcohol were in place?

Glen
Glen
1 year ago

It is time for football style banning orders for rugby fans that can’t behave themselves.

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