UK football team attacked with baseball bats after match as goalie suffers 'life-changing injuries'

A Welsh footballer has been left with a broken knee after several players were with baseball bats and other weapons as they exited the changing rooms after a match. Joel Collins, 32, the goalkeeper, suffered what police have labelled as "life-changing" injuries.

The shocking incident took place at Eastern Leisure Centre in , on Saturday afternoon, October 12. Mr Collins' team, Ely-based Avenue Hotspur FC, had just faced a 3-1 defeat to Llanrumney Athletic in a Division 1 match of the Cardiff and District League when the violence erupted.

According to the results app, three red cards and two yellows were issued by the referee after the final whistle. Avenue Hotspur released a statement saying that "several players" were assaulted as they left the changing rooms at the leisure centre, describing the event as "distressing" and "frightening".

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The statement further added that despite suffering a broken knee in the incident, Mr Collins is "in good spirits" and has undergone surgery to mend the injury", reports . Llanrumney Athletic also "strongly condemned" the attack in a statement, adding that "to the club's knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved.

The police are still investigating the incident, with a statement revealing that those involved were reported to have weapons and face coverings, while a vehicle was also damaged. However, no arrests have yet been made.

A spokesperson for Avenue Hotspur said: "We strongly condemn the violence that occurred at the Eastern Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 12 and trust the the police will do all they can to bring those involved to justice.

"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.

"We are fully cooperating with the police and the South Wales Football Association in their investigations, and our primary at present is focussed on supporting all those affected at this time. We are relieved to report that Joel Collins is in good spirits and is currently undergoing surgery to repair a broken knee.

"In the meantime I would like to thank the wider football community in Wales for their messages of comfort and support at this difficult time for everyone at Avenue Hotspur FC," the statement continued.

"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."

A statement from Llanrumney Athletic read: "Following Saturday's game vs Avenue Hotspurs, Llanrumney Athletic would firstly like to wish anyone injured in the incident a speedy recovery. We were here for football and no one should ever have to worry about whether they will make it to work the next day following a game of football.

"We strongly condemn the actions of the individuals involved in this incident. To the club's knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved in this incident and should any information come to light to contradict this, they will be dealt with accordingly. Llanrumney Athletic is cooperating with all ongoing enquiries."

A statement issued on Monday read: "South Wales Police is continuing to investigate an incident of violent disorder in Llanrumney, Cardiff. Shortly after 4pm on Saturday (October 12) police were called to report of an on-going disturbance outside Eastern Leisure Centre, Llanrumney Avenue.

"The disorder followed a football match and involved a group of individuals some of whom were described as having weapons and wearing face-coverings. There were several assaults, including one on a 32-year man from Ely who suffered a life-changing injury, and a vehicle was damaged."

Detective Inspector Daniel Todd added: “The level of violence was appalling and will not be tolerated. This incident has understandably shocked the community, and it must have been very frightening for all involved. We are grateful for information received so far and would appeal for any witnesses to please come forward."

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting reference 2400340400. You can contact the force by going to or calling 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.