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.
The
red 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.
