The shocking incident reportedly came after fans invaded the pitch during the derby clash
A man has been shot dead at a rugby match in South Africa, with police launching a murder investigation.
Reports from South Africa say 48-year-old victim Morne Matill was killed during a derby match between Progress and Gardens Rugby at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium in the Kareiga suburb of Rosedale, Eastern Cape on Saturday. It is believed by police that he had been in attendance at the Eastern Province Club Rugby Grand Challenge match when he was shot behind one of the pavilions at the ground.
According to spectators at the game, the shocking incident occurred in the final minutes of the clash, which saw the referee call off the match due to fans storming the field.
A report from the Daily Voice claims that Progress were leading 13-8 at the time, with the Gardens side on the attack, when one of the Progress players made a tackle on one of their players just short of the try line.
With the Progress defenders holding the tackled player up, Garden supporters then reportedly entered the field and ran the referee “out of the way”, making him unable to see whether a try had been scored and leading him to end the game early.
An eyewitness told the publication that the two teams had then gathered into respective huddles on the field when those in attendance “heard shots being fired at the back of one of the pavilions”.
A spokesperson for the South African Police Service, Andre Breetge, confirmed the incident took place during the game.
In the wake of the tragedy, a murder case has since been reported at the Kamesh Police Station in Kariega.
However, no arrests have been made as of Tuesday afternoon.
The president of the Eastern Province Rugby Union, George Malgas, said the incident was “tragic” but denied that it was related to what had happened in the game.
“I was at the game, but had left just before half-time to attend to another pressing engagement,” he told the press.
“During the time I was there, the vibe amongst the crowd of almost 10,000 spectators was great with the game played in wonderful weather conditions.
“After I left, I received a call just after 6pm when the game had already ended more than an hour earlier and was ended prematurely by the referee due to supporters running onto the field.
“To my knowledge, the shooting incident had nothing to do with what happened at the game as well as after the game had ended, and most of the supporters had already left,” he added.
“However, it is tragic that such an incident had taken place at the field, but it was in no way connected to what transpired during the game.”
Gardens Rugby Club have since released a message to the victim’s family and a picture of Mr Matill.
It read: “To the bereaved Matill family.
“On behalf of the executive, Gardens Rugby club and the community, we would like to extend our deepest condolences on the passing of Morne.
“He was a true supporter of the club and an integral part of our rugby family. Please know that you are not alone in your grief. Our team sends love, support and sympathy during this challenging time.”
