Ireland v Serbia rugby league international abandoned after coach reportedly punches player
A rugby league match between Ireland and Serbia has been abandoned after a Serbian official reportedly punched a player in the head which sparked an all-in brawl.
The Rugby League European Federation released a statement on its Facebook page outlining what had occurred.
"Serbia vs Ireland match has been abandoned in the 65th minute," the post read. "Very sad and unsavoury scenes. Ireland were leading 24-16 at the time."
Rugby League Ireland was posting live updates on its Facebook page of the international match when things started to get sour.
It is understood up to four players were sent off in the lead-up to the eventual incident which prompted the Irish team to leave the field and boycott the rest of the match.
"Probalby (sic) the most disgusting thing I have ever seen," Rugby League Ireland wrote in a comment. "Serbian water carrier tackles Irish player and then all hell breaks loose. Serbian number 10 kicks Irish player in the regiion (sic) of the head when on the ground.
"Irish team have left the field, I believe that is it. Game over. Awful way to end a game and only one person to blame, the Serbian coach/water carrier.
"We've spoken to the team and they are all ok and heading away from the stadium back to the hotel. We've also spoken to the RLEF (Rugby League European Federation) to ensure a copy of the game is provided to them for review."
