UK football team attacked with baseball bats after game as player suffers 'life-changing injuries'

A UK football team were viciously attacked with baseball bats after a match, with one player said to have suffered 'life-changing injuries'.

The horrifying incident occurred after a match between local Division 1 Cardiff & District League sides Avenue Hotspur FC and Llanrumney Athletic at Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney, Cardiff on Saturday afternoon (12 October).

Avenue Hotspur FC had just lost 3-1 to the home side, with a report in The Mirror adding that three red and two yellow cards had been issued after the final whistle.

What took place at the stadium is unclear, however, it's understood the Avenue Hotspur FC players were set upon and attacked with various weapons after exiting the changing rooms.

The team has since issued a statement on social media strongly condemning the attack and calling it 'really distressing and frightening' for everyone involved.

They also confirmed that goalkeeper Joel Collins, 32, was the player who police said to have suffered a 'life-changing' injury after having his knee broken, which he'll need months to recover from.

"We are relieved to report that Joel Collins is in good spirits and is currently undergoing surgery to repair a broken knee," they wrote in the statement.

"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."

Llanrumney Athletic has also strongly condemned the violence, publishing a statement on their social media which 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 report from the BBC adds that Llanrumney Athletic believes its coaching staff and players were not involved in the attack.

South Wales Police are currently investigating the incident, with a statement from the force stating that several individuals were armed and had face coverings on at the time of the attack.

"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." South Wales Police Detective Inspector Daniel Todd added in a statement.

“We are grateful for information received so far and would appeal for any witnesses to please come forward."