SPECTATORS at a university rugby match saw a fan run on to the pitch and kick a player in the face.
Police arrived at the University of Chester campus on Saturday evening after reports of a disturbance and have since arrested a 20-year-old Warrington man.
A side representing Chester was hosting the Warrington side for the traditional ‘varsity’ match .
Cheshire police spokeswoman Jacqui Hanson said: “At 6.37pm on Saturday, May 8, police were notified of an allegation of assault which took place during a rugby match at the Chester university campus earlier that day.
“The allegation was made by a third party, and suggested that one of the players had been kicked in the face during the course of the match by a spectator.”
The player, a 21-year-old man from Warrington, was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital where he was examined for swelling to the face, before being discharged.
Following police enquiries, the alleged attacker was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm on Monday, May 10 and is currently assisting police with their enquiries.
Dr Lesley Cooke, the University of Chester’s Dean of Students, said: “The university has invoked its disciplinary procedures, and is conducting an enquiry into claims of unacceptable behaviour, alleged to have taken place during a rugby match.
“In this respect, the university is also co-operating fully with Cheshire Police officers, who are investigating an alleged incident involving two students.”
