Rugby fan glassed woman in face over Lions row court hears

A court in London has heard how a rugby fan glassed a woman in the face after the pair got into a row while watching the British & Irish Lions play South Africa in 2021.

The incident took place in a pub in Fulham on the evening of July 31, where both parties were in attendance to watch the second Test of the series that was taking place in South Africa. Neither party were known to the other and were watching the games in two different groups.

Isleworth Crown Court heard how Ben England (27) of Hartswood Road, Hammersmith, and the claimant, Kim Graham, had initially had a friendly exchange while watching the game, but things turned sour when England made a comment about the Springboks.

The court heard how Graham had reacted to the comment made by England at which point she threw her drink at the accused.

UK Court News report that Malachy Pakenham, prosecuting, said: ‘They were not known to each other. They attended the pub in separate groups.

‘He engaged in a conversation with the complainant about the rugby match between South Africa and the Lions.

‘The conversation was initially friendly, but it then turned into an argument.

‘She took offence in relation to a comment the defendant made in relation to the South African team. She threw a drink in his face.

‘He then smashed a glass into the side of her face.’

England was initially charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but an additional charge of racially aggravated inflicting grievous bodily harm has since been brought.

England received bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on October 7th.