Two arrested after footballer's kneecap smashed
Joel Collins sustaining a "life-changing injury" to his leg following a Saturday league match on 12 October
- Published
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault and violent disorder after an amateur footballer's kneecap was smashed following a local Saturday league match.
Joel Collins, 32, from Ely, required surgery after sustaining a "life-changing injury" to his leg after the incident, which occurred in Llanrumney, Cardiff, on 12 October.
A 28-year-old man from Trowbridge and a 22-year-old man from Llanrumney were arrested in connection with the incident.
South Wales Police said the two men remain in custody and the investigation is ongoing.
The force said it was called to an "on-going disturbance" outside the area's Eastern Leisure Centre, shortly after 16:00 BST on Saturday.
The centre was host to Avenue Hotspur's away game against Llanrumney Athletic - where attendees told BBC Wales they witnessed a group attack some Avenue Hotspur players as they left the changing room with baseball bats and other weapons.
Avenue Hotspur players - in red and blue - were playing an away match in Llanrumney before Mr Collins (wearing the number one shirt) was injured
Mr Collins, Avenue Hotspur's goalkeeper, is awaiting surgery and will be recovering for months.
His club, based in Ely, said: "This shocking incident, in which several players were violently attacked as they left the changing rooms, is completely unacceptable."
In a statement, Llanrumney Athletic said it wished "anyone injured in the incident a speedy recovery" and said it was "co-operating with the authorities".
"We strongly condemn the actions of the individuals involved in this incident," the statement said.
South Wales Police said the incident involved several assaults and damage to a vehicle and has appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.
Det Insp Daniel Todd previously said: "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."