Rugby club apologises over violent incident after match
VIOLENCE broke out between spectators at a Welsh rugby cup match in Porthcawl.
Two individuals appeared to become involved in a disagreement shortly after the conclusion of the cup semi-final game between Llantwit Major RFC and Tonna RFC, before pushing and shoving escalated into punches being thrown.
The match, which was being played at a neutral venue – Porthcawl RFC – was being streamed live on the internet at the time on the Live Sports video YouTube channel.
Bystanders tried to intervene and stop the violence as fellow spectators and players looked on with concern.
The altercation, which involved a number of people believed to be supporting Llantwit Major, continued for more than a minute.
South Wales Police said they were not called to the incident but the Welsh Rugby Union could now investigate the matter.
A man was seen being ushered away before the incident dissipated, with footage panning to the players who were clapping each other from the field after a hard-fought match.
Some players looked to the touchline, clearly troubled by what had unfolded.
The incident took place after the final whistle was blown in a WRU National Cup semi-final between Llantwit Major RFC and Tonna RFC, which Tonna won 28-26.
Footage showing part of the fight has since been shared on social media.
Llantwit Major club chairman David Liscombe said: “The club would like to state the cup match was an excellent semi-final, with Tonna worthy winners and we wish them well in the final.
“A large crowd attended the fixture on the day but sadly a small minority of individuals supporting our club acted in an inexcusable manner which has tarnished the reputation of not only our club but also our fantastic rugby community.
“As a club, we do not tolerate this type of unacceptable behaviour and those who act in such a way are not welcome.
“We are still in the process of identifying all of the individuals involved and will be taking firm action against them.
“We have already apologised to Tonna and the host club Porthcawl for the behaviour of this group but would like to reaffirm this apology to them and the wider rugby community.
“We have no further comment to make at this time.”