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'Absolute melt' - Pitch invader dubbed Wales' least popular person
By Ian Cameron
A pitch invader who appeared to get in the way of a possible try for Wales has been dubbed the least popular person in the nation.
Wales failed in their bid to beat the Springboks in Cardiff, the first time they have felt to repel them in eight years, losing an agonisingly close game 18 - 23.
Some believe the pitch invasder's intervention cost Wales' dearly, potentially even the result.
The drama came in the 65th minute when Wales attacked through substitute Liam Williams just as a spectator ran on to the pitch only a few metres away from him and inside South Africa’s 22.
It was debatable whether Wales would have scored, but Williams had to jump over the pitch invader before he was duly led away as Wales led with 15 minutes to go.
The intruder - who appeared to be wearing Welsh supporter's clothing - was dragged off the field by security and booed by the fans as he went, although he appeared quite happy to wave to the 70,000 odd irate fans as he was ejected.
Principality Stadium manager Mark Williams confirmed after the match that the spectator had been swiftly dealt with.
He said: “We condemn this type of behaviour in the strongest possible terms. He was intercepted and immediately escorted from the stadium and handed over to South Wales Police.”
Social media was fuming at the drunken punter.
"Absolute madness. Probably the most unpopular man in Wales right now," wrote EK Rugby Analysis on Twitter.
Graham Love wrote: "Everyone calling for the pitch invader to be arrested but frankly being loudly & very publicly released outside the ground would be a better punishment…"
"This is just disgraceful. Pitch invader ruined a big chance for Wales. #WALvRSA . People glorifying these idiots the last 2 weeks - these lads like #jarvo69 need lifetime bans," wrote Brett Igoe.
Irish journalist Neil Treacy suggested an alternative punishment: "As punishment, the pitch invader should be forced to catch a hospital pass in front of Am and De Allende..."
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Latest Comments
I agree ..come on keyboard warriors and journalists looking for a cheap win ….. only 2 mins to go 12 points down …this DID NOT decide the game and beside JM was hit after the whistle and in response it was a pat on the back of the head …harmless ….watch soccer if this is your issue
Go to commentsRest is for namby pamby sissies, I see. True men should overcome their trifling injuries by playing week in, week out. Bidwell’s stance reminds me of a Jon Gadsby character from the 70s, a rugby captain giving an after-match speech: “It was a very physical contest. One of our players caught a boot on the back of his head in a ruck, and he died, actually. But to his credit, he played on.”
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