Goalkeeper has knee broken after football game

A football player had his kneecap smashed after being attacked by a group carrying weapons including a baseball bat at a weekend match.

Joel Collins, 32, is undergoing surgery after sustaining a “life-changing injury” to his leg following his team Avenue Hotspur’s away game against Llanrumney Athletic in Cardiff.

People who were at the game on Saturday afternoon told BBC Wales that a group attacked some of the Avenue Hotspur players as they left the changing rooms at Eastern Leisure Centre, Llanrumney, with baseball bats, bike seats and other weapons.

Llanrumney Athletic said it “condemned the actions of the individuals involved” and believed its players and coaching staff did not take part.

According to the FAW’s results app, three red cards and two yellows were shown by the referee after the final whistle.

South Wales police said it was investigating “violent disorder” which resulted in a “life-changing injury” at Eastern Leisure Centre and appealed for witnesses.

Goalkeeper Mr Collins is now in hospital waiting for surgery and is said to be in “good spirits”.

His club, Avenue Hotspur, based in Ely, thanked those who had already given donations in an “overwhelming” response to a fundraiser for him, with fears he may be off work for four months.

A spokesman for the club said: “This shocking incident, in which several players were violently attacked as they left the changing rooms, is completely unacceptable and was a really distressing and frightening experience for everyone involved.”

“As a family-focused community football club proud to represent the Ely community, we are committed to providing a fun filled, safe and inclusive environment for all and are hoping to return to playing in the next few weeks.”

In a statement via the club’s X account, Llanrumney Athletic wished said it wished “anyone injured in the incident a speedy recovery” and said it was “cooperating with the authorities”.

“We strongly condemn the actions of the individuals involved in this incident,” the statement said.

“To the club’s knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved in this incident and should any information contradict this, they will be dealt with accordingly.”