13 March 2023 , 14:15
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South African rugby club Jeffreys Bay has been forced to suspend its home fixtures after three rival players were reportedly stabbed at Pellsrus Sports Ground on Saturday.
A probe has been launched to investigate the incident following the horrific scenes, which occurred after Port Elizabeth Harlequins beat their hosts 24-22 with the final kick of the game. Spectators stormed the field in the final seconds of the game before a trio of Harlequins players were allegedly stabbed and slashed with broken bottles.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu said "only one case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm" had been opened thus far. Eastern Province rugby has banned Jeffreys Bay from hosting home fixtures while the investigation is underway.
“The reports we have seen are alarming and we shall be writing to the Eastern Province Rugby Union requesting further information,” South African Rugby Union president Mark Alexander told Rugby365. “It should go without saying that if the reports are accurate this behaviour is intolerable, and the strongest sanctions should be considered.
“Rugby is a physical game where players go hammer-and-tongs at each other for 80 minutes, but at the final whistle, we shake hands and have a drink with each other. That is the proud ethos of rugby – this type of behaviour is a disgrace and totally unacceptable.”
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It's understood the victims were treated at the scene of the alleged attack before they were transported to hospital. The Herald tweeted a picture of one of the alleged victims in hospital with his arm in a cast.
In response to a tweet detailing the events, one social media user called for the 'club responsible' to be banned outright, adding: "It's unacceptable." However, it's the duty of the investigative team to decide whether the club can be held responsible for the alleged assault.
“This will be an independent investigation and we will encourage the law to run its course,” wrote EPRU president Maasdorp Cannon in his latter to Jeffreys Bay confirming the investigation. “This incident is deplorable and is indeed a sad day for the Eastern Province Rugby family.
“The safety of our athletes and supporting communities are of utmost importance. Besides the unfolding processes, all sub-committees are convened to discuss matters of risk and the elimination thereof moving forward."