Super Rugby
Fan killed in fight after Super Rugby match
ESPN Staff
March 27, 2013

Police in South Africa have opened a murder investigation after a man died in a fight among spectators following last Saturday's Super Rugby match between Sharks and Rebels at Kings Park in Durban.

Brett Williams, who lived in the UK, died after a brawl near the Sharks Supporters' Club. A police spokesman said: "There was an argument that arose between a group of individuals. We do not know what sparked the fight. A 28-year-old man was assaulted with clenched fists and booted feet. He succumbed [to the injuries]."

A witness said she saw a scuffle in which Williams may have accidentally bumped into someone and then others piled in. Security officials and medics were quickly on the scene. "He (Williams) was on the floor, still alive at that stage," the witness said. "Paramedics were attending to him but they said his vitals were failing."

Williams had been in the Royal Marines but left about a year ago to work as a maritime security operator. His ship was on a short stopover in Durban.

Sharks chief executive Brian van Zyl said the franchise was satisfied that its contracted service providers had done everything possible to break up the fight. "We pride ourselves on providing a world-class display in a safe and secure environment. The safety of our patrons is of paramount importance," he said. "This is a senseless, isolated incident and the stadium will ensure that we do everything possible to avoid incidents like this occurring in the future."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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