Rugby fan stabbed during EP Kings match

A RUGBY fan at the Currie Cup Premier Division clash between the EP Kings and Golden Lions was stabbed after a heated argument at theNelson Mandela Bay Stadium at the weekend.

While the Lions fought hard for their 41-22 win against the Kings in front of a fairly small crowd, an argument broke out between two spectators on the west pavilion on Saturday night.

Shortly before the final whistle, some pushing and shoving led to a punch being thrown, and when another person tried to intervene, he was stabbed in the upper back.

The assailant quickly disappeared into the crowd.

According to a witness, who did not want to be named, the argument started when a man expressed his unhappiness over a decision by the referee.

"Many people were booing the ref and didn't agree with some of his decisions," he said.

"A big guy shouted something towards the field and another smaller man sitting near him turned around and told him to keep quiet.

"Many people were shouting, and the big guy asked why he wasn't allowed to join in, and that's when the argument started."

The witness, who sat six rows back from where the altercation occurred, said there was some pushing and shoving. The smaller man tore the bigger man's shirt from his body and punched him in the face.

"After being punched, the bigger man took a step back hoping to prevent the situation from escalating," the witness said.

"His friend, however, would not let the matter rest and confronted the man who threw the punch.

"That's when the man who started the whole fight stabbed the big guy's friend. It was not clear what he used, but as soon as it happened he ran away, ducking and diving among the other spectators.

"When I looked back at the man who had stepped into the fight, I could see the bleeding wound in his back."

The injured man tried to staunch the bleeding with his shirt. Stadium security officials were at the scene within moments.

Stadium management and the Eastern Province Rugby Union confirmed the incident, saying a 20-year-old man was stabbed shortly before 9pm.

Stadium chief executive Chantal du Pisani said they were shocked by the incident.

"Our reaction officers responded immediately from the field, together with other security officers and on-site police who were dispatched from the venue operations centre."

Du Pisani said when the security arrived, the suspect had already disappeared and a pocket knife found at the scene was handed to the police.

The injured fan was treated by medical personnel at the scene before being taken by ambulance to Greenacres Hospital.

EP Kings chief executive Charl Crous called on rugby spectators to respect the stadium's zero-tolerance policy on violence to enable everyone to experience the joy of watching a game live.

"We are shocked and saddened by the fact that an incident of this nature has occurred at one of our home games."

Police spokeswoman Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said although police knew about the incident, a case had not yet been opened. "The investigation will commence as soon as a case has been formally opened at the police station." - Riaan Marais