A PITCH invader was knocked out by the security during a Rugby Championship Test match in South Africa.
The incident occurred on Sunday at the Mbombela Stadium after several spectators invaded the pitch during Springboks clash against Argentina.
The disruptive spectator who was tackled by security and knocked out to the ground is reportedly in good health.
Rumours of the fan suffering a crushed shoulder or even death have been debunked.
As the victorious Springboks were conducting post-match interviews and photos near the tunnel the crowd watched in dismay as the fan face-planted spectacularly behind them.
After being escorted off the field by provincial paramedics, the spectator was treated on-site and released shortly afterwards, without requiring hospitalisation.
According to Mpumalanga Department of Health spokesperson Christopher Nobela, the individual was simply intoxicated and even asked for his beer after being discharged.
Pitch security faced challenges as multiple spectators invaded the field, showing off impressive evasive footwork.
Although most were stopped relatively unscathed one managed to weave past five lines of defence running from the northern stands to the southern end before a security guard brought him down with a hard tackle.
The incident somewhat marred what was otherwise a successful showcase of Mbombela’s ability to host a sold-out international sporting event.
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Some media professionals who travelled from across the country remarked that such invasions rarely occur at larger stadiums.
Mbombela Stadium manager Roelf Kotze who was still gathering details about the incident this morning attributed it to excessive alcohol consumption.
He added that while it may start out as funny sometimes a hard tackle is needed to bring the crowd back in line.
