South Wales Police are investigating an attack on footballers in Cardiff on Saturday. Joel Collins, a goalkeeper, had his kneecap smashed by attackers wielding baseball bats as Avenue Hotspur left their away game against Llanrumney Athletic. Collins is expected to undergo surgery and will be recovering for several months. The two teams were playing at the Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney. A group allegedly attacked some of the Avenue Hotspur players as they left the changing rooms. Attendees at the game reported witnessing said the attackers carried baseball bats, bike seats, and other weapons.
Llanrumney Athletic has stated that it beliefs its players and coaching staff weren’t involved in the attack. The team condemned the event on Sunday, individuals perpetrated it, and encouraged co-operation with the authorities. A spokesperson for Avenue Hotspur praised the community’s overwhelming donations, as fears mount that Collins may not be able to work for four months. The attack resulted in several players undergoing violent assaults, according to South Wales Police. They reported that a vehicle had been damaged and are investigating violent disorder, which led to a life-changing injury. Det Insp. Daniel Todd urged calm and reported that the police would not tolerate the level of violence exhibited at the game.
Several yellow cards and three red cards were issued by the referee after the game’s final whistle, according to the FAW’s results app. Collins is recuperating in the hospital and reportedly is in good spirits despite his injury. Avenue Hotspur reiterated that it’s focused on providing a safe and inclusive space and is committed to returning to playing games as soon as possible. Llanrumney Athletic characterized the incident as condemnable, reiterated that it was co-operating with the authorities, and hoping for a speedy recovery for anyone who was injured in the assault. They also stated that their players and coaching staff were not involved in the attack but would face consequences if they were discovered to be involved in any way
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