Fan asks for refund after ‘drunk spectator fell on family’
A WALES rugby supporter has complained to the Welsh Rugby Union after what he describes as a “horrendous” experience at the Wales v South Africa autumn international.
Michael Edwards, of Llantwit Major, says he and his wife Tracy, along with families seated nearby at the Principality Stadium on November 6, were left soaked in beer after an “extremely drunk” spectator fell onto them from two rows above, knocking drinks and personal belongings “all over the place”.
The man was not in control of himself, Michael alleges, and he claims it was a miracle no-one was seriously injured.
Michael has since written to the WRU expressing his disappointment and concern, and says alcohol shouldn’t be sold at the stadium while games are in play.
“It was an horrendous experience,” he said.
“I consider myself a genuine supporter who goes to games to watch the rugby. It can cost a lot but you don’t mind paying out if you can spectate in a safe environment and not have your enjoyment spoiled by others.
“The way some people were acting at the game last weekend was ridiculous.”
The 51-year-old says he will not be renewing his WRU gold membership for the Six Nations and requests a full refund.
Michael said: “It was nowhere near what we wanted from a match we had been looking forward to.
“The guy who fell from two rows above sat back down after the incident.
“He must have hurt himself. I’m exmilitary with 22 years’ service and when he landed right next to me he did so with a heck of a bump.
“He was creased and I honestly thought he’d broken his neck. I was stood there with my wife next to me, kids screaming and beer everywhere. I thought ‘jeez, this boy’s killed himself’.
“It was horrendous and it’s put my wife off completely. She won’t go to the stadium again.”
Michael and Tracy said families with children were sitting nearby.
“It actually took one of the parents who got covered in beer – he had two young lads with him – to grab the police and ask them to come and intervene.”
He added: “Don’t get me wrong: I know I demanded money back in my letter to the union, but I don’t expect to get that. I just wanted the WRU to realise how serious I was and how disappointed I was on the day. Ninety quid’s a lot of money to have some big guy fall on you and to have to listen to some Springbok supporters effing and blinding every two minutes. Then you have to watch a guy running onto the field and interrupting play at a key moment.
“I’m no tea-totaller. I enjoy a beer as much as the next man, but I can remember the days where you’d have a few pints before going into the stadium and that would be it until after the game. The bars would shut and not open again until after the match finished or if they opened at all.
“The gap allowed people to sober up and watch the game.
“I know alcohol sales help provide funding for grassroots rugby, but if the current situation persists it’s going to kill the enjoyment for those who are there to enjoy the rugby in a safe environment. It’s going to kill the support.”
In response, the WRU referred him to the Principality Stadium’s ground rules and in particular rule 7 which states: “Any person within the stadium or attempting to gain access to the stadium or grounds who is, or appears to be under the influence of drink or drugs may be ejected from the Stadium or refused entry into the stadium or grounds.”
It further stated that it had listened to supporter feedback in the past and introduced an alcohol-free zone in the north stand.
Michael says: “I’m disappointed with the response.
“I want the WRU to take ownership when it comes to the question of controlling supporters inside the stadium. At the moment, I’m not sure they do so.
“That has to change. The state on some supporters coming out of the ground these days is shocking.”