Watch: Shocking Scenes As Rugby Player Knocks Out Referee After Being Red Carded

This is disgraceful.

A referee has been knocked out in one of the most violent moments we have ever seen on a rugby pitch. The vicious punch occurred in a French Cup juniors rugby league game between Saint-Esteve and Toulouse. 25 minutes into their semi-final clash, a Saint-Esteve player was sent off by referee Benjamin Casty.

The red carded player, who had just recently returned from suspension, then turned and hit the referee with a full force punch, knocking him out cold and causing a brawl on the pitch. The referee had to be evacuated to the hospital, with injuries to his cheekbone and jaw.

The game was immediately abandoned, and the president of the French Rugby League Federation, Marc Palanques, quickly condemned what had happened.

“I hope that the National Disciplinary Commission, which will meet on Wednesday, will be uncompromising,” said Palanques.

The president of the Saint-Esteve club, Christian Cozza, is set to resign as a result of the incident.

“This player had already been suspended four games earlier in the season and I did not want him to play,” said Cozza.

Saint-Esteve are expected to be handed a heavy penalty for the punch, while the player involved faces a life ban from the sport.

[NZ Herald]

Facebook
Twitter
Follow Me
Instagram