A WELSH footballer, Joel Collins, 32, has sustained life-changing injuries following a violent attack after a local football match in Cardiff. The incident, which involved several players being assaulted with baseball bats and other weapons, occurred on Saturday afternoon, October 12, at the Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney.
Collins, a goalkeeper for the Ely-based Avenue Hotspur FC, was reportedly attacked as he and his teammates left the changing rooms following a 3-1 defeat to Llanrumney Athletic in a Division 1 match of the Cardiff & District Football League. The match had been notably tense, resulting in three red cards and two yellow cards issued by the referee.
A spokesperson for Avenue Hotspur FC described the attack as “distressing” and “frightening,” noting that several players were targeted. Collins has undergone surgery for a broken knee, described by police as a life-changing condition. Despite the severity of his injuries, he is reported to be in good spirits.
Llanrumney Athletic has issued a statement condemning the violence and clarified that to their knowledge, no players or coaching staff from their team were involved in the incident. They have expressed their willingness to cooperate with police investigations and stressed that football should never be a precursor to violence.
South Wales Police have confirmed that the attackers used weapons and face coverings, and a vehicle was also reported damaged during the incident. However, no arrests have been made so far. Police are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Avenue Hotspur FC has pledged to focus on supporting all individuals affected by this incident and is cooperating with the police and the South Wales Football Association. The club aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment and hopes to resume play in the coming weeks.
This incident has shocked the local football community, prompting calls for increased security measures at sports events to prevent such violent incidents in the future.
