A Welsh footballer has sustained ‘life-changing’ injuries after his team was attacked with baseball bats as they left the dressing room following a match on Saturday.

Avenue Hotspur had travelled to face Llanrumney Athletic in Division 1 of the Cardiff & District Football League last weekend. They suffered a 3-1 defeat at the Eastern Leisure Centre, with the referee issuing three red cards and two yellow cards after the final whistle.

As Avenue Hotspur left the ground, their players and coaching staff were subjected to a violent attack. Goalkeeper Joel Collins was left with a broken knee, and the 32-year-old is now undergoing surgery.

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident, though no arrests have been made so far. Avenue Hotspur have strongly condemned the attack, while expressing that Collins remains in good spirits despite his injuries.

"We strongly condemn the violence that occurred at the Eastern Leisure Centre on Saturday, 12th October, and trust that the police will do everything they can to bring those involved to justice," a club spokesperson said.

"This shocking incident, during which several players were violently attacked as they left the changing rooms, is completely unacceptable. It was an incredibly distressing and frightening experience for everyone involved.

"We are fully cooperating with the police and the South Wales Football Association in their investigations. Our primary focus at present is supporting all those affected by this incident.

"We are relieved to report that Joel Collins is in good spirits and is currently undergoing surgery to repair a broken knee. In the meantime, we would like to thank the wider football community in Wales for their messages of comfort and support during this difficult time for everyone at Avenue Hotspur FC.

"As a community-centred football club, proud to represent the Ely area, we are committed to providing a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive environment for all. We hope to return to playing in the coming weeks."

South Wales Police have called for any witnesses to come forward following the incident, which saw a group of masked individuals armed with weapons attack the Avenue Hotspur team.

A statement from the police force read: "South Wales Police is continuing to investigate an incident of violent disorder in Llanrumney, Cardiff. Shortly after 4pm on Saturday, 12th October, police were called to reports of an ongoing disturbance outside Eastern Leisure Centre on Llanrumney Avenue.

"The disorder followed a football match and involved a group of individuals, some of whom were described as carrying weapons and wearing face coverings. Several assaults occurred, including one on a 32-year-old man from Ely who sustained life-changing injuries, and a vehicle was damaged."

Detective Inspector Daniel Todd added: "The level of violence was appalling and will not be tolerated. This incident has understandably shocked the community, and it must have been a terrifying experience for all those involved. We are grateful for the information we have received so far and appeal to any witnesses to please come forward."

Llanrumney Athletic have also condemned the attack, stating that, to the best of their knowledge, none of their players or coaching staff were involved in the incident.

A statement from the club read: "Following Saturday's match against Avenue Hotspur, Llanrumney Athletic would like to wish anyone injured in the incident a swift recovery. We were there for football, and no one should ever have to fear for their safety after a game.

"We strongly condemn the actions of the individuals involved in this incident. To the club’s knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved, and should any information emerge to the contrary, those individuals will be dealt with accordingly. Llanrumney Athletic is cooperating fully with all ongoing enquiries."