Rugby World Cup fans fight in stands as England v Fiji clash descends into chaos
Multiple rugby fans were removed from the stands during England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final win over Fiji as a brawl broke out between supporters inside the stadium.
On the pitch, England booked their place in the last four of the tournament – where they will face the winners of Sunday night’s clash between hosts France and holders South Africa – with a nervy 30-24 victory, in which Fiji clawed back a 14-point deficit before Owen Farrell’s kicking saw the beaten 2019 finalists over the line.
Yet there were ugly scenes in the stands with multiple fans involved in a fight before several were ejected from the Marseille stadium over their actions. Video footage, widely circulated on social media, showed fans throwing punches with one lifted up and thrown over rows of seats.
It was better news on the pitch for England, who had triumphed in all four of their Pool D matches to safely advance through to the last eight, but had yet to truly hit top form and were out to avenge their defeat in a pre-tournament warm-up match between the two sides.
Punches were thrown during the melee (GoodBadRugby/Twitter)
One fan was seen being thrown over several rows of seats during the brawl (GoodBadRugby/Twitter)Farrell – whose name was booed when the team was announced in the stadium after he was chosen over George Ford to start at 10 – was once again decisive, as his drop-goal made it 27-24 with eight minutes remaining before another penalty kick sealed the win.
England star Joe Marler reflects on lowest point after fight with pregnant wife
20 of England’s 30 points came from Farrell’s boot with Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant running over tries, with Viliame Mata, Peni Ravai and Vilimoni Botitu all scoring tries for a defiant Fiji – who thrilled neutrals throughout the tournament.
The Princess of Wales Kate Middleton was in attendance at the clash in Marseille. The future queen is a patron of English rugby, and she has frequently spoken about her love for the sport, and she was also in attendance for England’s group stage World Cup win over Argentina.
England captain Farrell's kicking proved decisive in the win over Fiji (AFP via Getty Images)William was also spotted in the crowds alongside Prince George at Saturday's game between Wales and Argentina, where Wales lost 17-29 to their rivals. Similar to Kate, the Prince is patron of Welsh rugby and the couple are known to share a friendly rivalry over their respective teams.
The royal children are also known to be keen on the sport, with Prince George's trip to Marseille the first sporting event he's attended outside the UK, having been previously seen at cricket and football matches with his family. The 10-year-old also plays the sport at school.
England last took on Fiji at Twickenham in August in a warm-up game for the tournament where they were beaten 30-22. However, the small island nation were unable to replicate their achievement at the World Cup – where they have still never advanced beyond the quarter-final stage.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
