Football team attacked with baseball bats as player's knee shattered

Police are continuing to investigate the 'distressing' and 'shocking' attack from Saturday.

A footballer was left with a broken knee after a vicious attack by masked thugs wielding baseball bats and other weapons following a heated match.

Welsh goalkeeper Joel Collins, 32, sustained what police are calling "life-changing" injuries in the savage incident. Collins' team, Ely-based Avenue Hotspur FC, had just suffered a 3-1 defeat to Llanrumney Athletic in a Cardiff & District Football League Division 1 clash when the violence erupted on Saturday afternoon outside the changing rooms at Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney, reports Wales Online.

According to the FAW’s results app, three red cards and two yellows were shown by the referee after the final whistle.

A statement from Avenue Hotspur said that "several players" were attacked as they left the changing rooms at the leisure centre and described what happened as "distressing" and "frightening". The statement added that Mr Collins is "in good spirits" despite suffering a broken knee in the incident and that he has undergone surgery to repair the injury.

Llanrumney Athletic also "strongly condemned" the attack in a statement, adding that "to the club's knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved".

Police are continuing to investigate the incident, with a statement saying that those involved were described as having weapons and face coverings, while a vehicle was also damaged. However, no arrests have yet been made.

A spokesperson for Avenue Hotspur said: "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. 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," the statement continued. "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."

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A statement from Llanrumney Athletic read: "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.

"We strongly condemn the actions of the individuals involved in this incident. To the club's knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved in this incident and should any information come to light to contradict this, they will be dealt with accordingly. Llanrumney Athletic is cooperating with all ongoing enquiries."

A South Wales Police statement issued on Monday 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."

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting reference 2400340400. You can contact the force by going to this page or calling 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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