Junior rugby match turns ugly

Things turned nasty in the aftermath of an u-12 match between Brakpan Rugby Club and Springs at the latter’s home ground.

Referee JP Nel was allegedly assaulted in the changing rooms by a man some believe to be a parent of a player from Brakpan.

Brakpan’s Rugby Club have condemned the attack.

“We want to make it very clear to the supporters and parents of all the players playing at Brakpan Rugby Club junior and senior level that we, with the Valke Rugby Union and SA Rugby, will not tolerate these type of attacks on any referees by parents and/or hooligans that abuse the system where their children are playing the game, and that 90 per cent of the time they don’t understand the simple rules of the game,” said club chairperson Harry Nieuwenhuis.

The situation seems to have left the local club shocked.

Read: Super festival of rugby at Bosman

“It’s really a sad situation for a child at this age who just wants to play the game. The children should not be exposed to violence in sport in any way, shape or form,” said Nieuwenhuis.

South African Police Service confirmed the assault was reported.

“The victim opened a docket that said he was punched on the lower lip in the changing rooms,” said Springs police spokesperson Amanda Greybe.

Greybe said the suspect was unknown to the victim and the matter is still under investigation.

“This referee reported the matter to SAPS and the authorities already contacted the club and the union in terms of the investigation. We will give our full cooperation to assist in resolving this matter,” said Nieuwenhuis.

Brakpan’s chairperson warned that acts of violence will not be tolerated by the club.

“There will be consequences for anyone going forward; hence, our suggestion to proceed with legal steps against any person bringing the game in disrepute as in this case where the offender is not a member of our club and is seen as a supporter. The club has a proud record and our name should not be linked to this type of transgressions,” he said.

Also read: [WATCH] Common injuries caused by rugby

Have a story?

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Thelma Koorts  (editor) brakpanherald@caxton.co.za

or Stacy Slatter (news editor) stacys@caxton.co.za

 or Miné Fourie (journalist) minev@caxton.co.za

Remember to visit the Brakpan Herald on the following social media platforms:

Follow us: