Fight breaks out in Singapore rugby match after player kicks opponent who lay motionless
Two players were sent off during the match between Oldham Rugby Club and Saints Rugby Football Club.
A Saints Rugby Football Club player can be seen kicking an Oldham Rugby club player who was lying motionless on the ground, during the match Nov 11, 2023. (Screengrab: YouTube/CL Tay)
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SINGAPORE:Â Two players were sent off after a brawl broke out during a rugby match on Saturday (Nov 11) between Oldham Rugby Club and Saints Rugby Football Club.Â
A video of the 5.30pm game in the Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) National Rugby League showed both sides challenging for a high ball in the second half.
Two players collided in the air, with neither getting the ball, and both men crashed onto the ground.
While the Saints player was trying to get on his feet, the Oldham player lay motionless. Another Saints player can be seen shouting and pointing at the Oldham player on the ground, before a third Saints player kicks his opponent.
A brawl broke out between both sides, with players pulling and shoving each other. In the video, an Oldham player can be seen punching a Saints player.
The Oldham player who was on the ground was attended to by medical staff before he was stretchered off with an oxygen bag.Â
After the fight was broken up by other teammates and referees, the Saints player who kicked his opponent and the Oldham player who threw a punch shook hands and spoke to each other.
The referee sent both players off.
In response to CNA's queries on Tuesday, the SRU said it was a "regrettable incident" between two players who are friends off the field. It said it could not reveal the names of the players involved.
SRU general manager Sidney Kumar said the Oldham player did not suffer a serious injury.
Cards were issued to the Saints player who kicked the injured Oldham player, as well as those involved in the fight. The SRU has "engaged the club presidents and the players involved".
"The rugby community is close knit and both sides have expressed their regret that the incident happened. Both players have apologised to each other and are awaiting the judicial outcomes," he said.
Mr Kumar added that the SRU has a "comprehensive judiciary process which is in line with how world rugby deals with these incidents".
"Our team of trained lawyers and judicial officials will deliberate and determine the extent of action to be taken," he said.
"There is no place in rugby for this kind of behaviour and the matter will be dealt with harshly."
In a statement posted on its Instagram page on Tuesday afternoon, the union said all parties involved in the incident were "safe" and have reached an "amicable resolution".
"Singapore Rugby takes a very strict stance on any foul play or ill-discipline during and after games," it wrote.
