Watch: Mbombela pitch invader okay after massive hit
A man tackled after the Springboks' match against Argentina is in good health, and even asked for his beer despite rumours of serious injury.
The disruptive spectator who was tackled by security at Mbombela Stadium after the Test match between the Springboks and Argentina yesterday, is reportedly in good health.
Rumours of the fan suffering a crushed shoulder or even death have been debunked.
After being escorted off the field by provincial paramedics, the spectator was treated on-site and released shortly afterward, without requiring hospitalisation.
‘Shaken not stirred’
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.
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.
Watch it here:
@lowvelder A man who ran onto the pitch at Mbombela Stadium following the end of the Springboks vs Argentina test match was tackled and knocked out by pitch security. The man was escorted off the field by paramedics, before he was treated by the medical staff. #mbombela #mbombelastadium #securitybreach #springboks ♬ original sound – Lowveld Media
The incident somewhat marred what was otherwise a successful showcase of Mbombela’s ability to host a sold-out international sporting event.
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.
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