A referee has been knocked out in one of the most violent moments seen in rugby league.
The vicious punch occurred in a French Cup juniors game between Saint-Esteve and Toulouse. 25 minutes into what was a semifinal clash, a Saint-Esteve player was sent off by referee Benjamin Casty.
Thered carded player, who had just recently returned from suspension, then violently swung at Casty, knocking him out cold and causing a brawl.
The blow was so violent that Casty had to be evacuated to the hospital. He sufferred injuries to his cheekbone and jaw, but avoided a broken jaw.
The game was immediately abandoned, and the president of the French Rugby League Federation, Marc Palanques, quickly condemned what had happened.