A Welsh soccer player has sustained 'life-changing' injuries after his team was allegedly assaulted with baseball bats as they exited the dressing room following a game on Saturday .
Avenue Hotspur had traveled to Llanrumney Athletic for a Division 1 game in the Cardiff and District Football League last weekend. They suffered a 3-1 defeat at the Eastern Leisure Centre, where the referee issued three red cards and two yellows post-match.
But as Avenue Hotspur departed the venue, the team's players and coaching staff were allegedly attacked. Goalkeeper Joel Collins, 32, now has a broken knee and has undergone surgery. The police is still investigating the incident, but no arrests have been made so far.
Avenue Hotspur has denounced the incident and shared 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."
Following the violent clash involving armed, masked assailants against the team, South Wales Police is appealing for witnesses. A statement 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."
Meanwhile, Llanrumney Athletic distanced itself from the brutal attack in a statement: "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.
"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.
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