French rugby league player punches referee unconscious
Footage has emerged online of a rugby league player knocking out a referee during a junior French Cup match between Saint-Esteve and Toulouse.
The Saint-Esteve player, who has yet to be named, squared up to referee Benjamin Casty after receiving a red card 25 minutes into the semi-final clash.
He then aimed a wild right hook at the official, which sent Casty to the ground.
When Toulouse players confronted the dismissed player, he began to attack them as well.
The two sides became involved in a mass brawl, which caused the game to be abandoned.
Casty, who is the brother of Catalans Dragons prop Remi, was taken to hospital to treated for injuries to his jaw and cheekbone.
According to French reports, scans did not show there to have been a fracture. But Marc Palanques, president of the French Rugby League Federation, condemned the sickening incident.
“I hope that the National Disciplinary Commission, which will meet on Wednesday, will prove uncompromising ,” he said.
Saint-Esteve president Christian Cozza reportedly admitted that the offender had already been suspended for four matches earlier this season.
The footage was shared from the Twitter account of former South Africa Test cricketer and coach Allan Donald, who joined many in calling for a lifetime ban.
The most disgraceful thing I have ever seen on a rugby field. You won't be needing boots again for life that is mate. Life ban Booom! pic.twitter.com/xNQ0SEplwc
— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) April 28, 2017