‘Ban him for life’ – Player sparks mass brawl after ‘disgusting’ act on KO’d opponent

Colin Newboult
Incident from Singapore where player kicks KO'd opponent.

Incident from Singapore where player kicks KO'd opponent.

Footage has emerged of a match in Singapore descending into chaos following a shocking act by a player on an opponent that was lying motionless on the ground.

In a game between Oldham Rugby and Saints RFC in November 2023, two players collided in the air, resulting in one of them being knocked out.

That individual was then kicked in the shoulder by the Saints number 27 while lying supine on the floor.

Punch thrown

Understandably, it caused a reaction from Oldham, who piled in and started a mass brawl, with the 27 being thrown to the ground.

Oldham’s number 14 then landed a punch, although not on the 27 but on the 21 who was over the top of his offending team-mate.

The respective players – 14 from Oldham and 27 from the Saints – were sent off before the Singapore Rugby Union launched an investigation.

They issued match bans to both players which were “relative to their offence”, but did not specify the length of the suspensions.

“Following the hearing, the Disciplinary Tribunal issued its decision in relations to the red cards issued to the two players taking into account the World Rugby framework for such offences,” a statement read on December 1.

“Under the framework, there is scope for the panel to take mitigating factors into account and after applications, both players were accorded match bans relative to their offence and mitigating factors applied.

“In addition to the prescribed match bans, the SRU is working with the related clubs on restorative practices to ensure that those concerned understand the severity of how their actions have brought the game into disrepute.”

Appeal

SRU general manager Sidney Kumar revealed that they appealed the decision, telling The Straits Times: “SRU is appealing to make it as stern as possible.

“Under World Rugby laws, there was some application of mitigating factors for the bans but SRU is appealing that those should not be applied.

“We want to send a clear and strong message that this is not condoned.”

On social media, people slammed the actions of the Saints 27, with one person writing on X, formerly Twitter: “That guy who kicks him in the head needs banned for life from the game. Disgusting behaviour.”

Another person responded to that post, adding: “Needs arresting not just a ban.”

READ MORE: ‘Glad I retired’ – Nigel Owens slams disciplinary decision after ‘reckless’ act

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