Rugby league referee Benjamin Casty was knocked out cold during a French Cup junior game between Saint-Estève and Toulouse.
Just over midway through the first half of the semi-final, Casty sent off a Saint-Esteve player. He was then approached by the player as he walked from the pitch.
The player knocked out the referee with one single punch before laying into the opposition. The match was abandoned.
French Rugby League Federation, Marc Palanques condemned the sickening behaviour.
I hope that the National Disciplinary Commission, which will meet on Wednesday, will be uncompromising.
Christian Cozza, who is the president of the Saint-Esteve club, said the player had already served a four-game suspension this season and had not wanted to see him play again.
According to local reports, the referee was taken to hospital. Luckily, he did not sustain a broken jaw.
The most disgraceful thing I have ever seen on a rugby field. You won't be needing boots again for life that is mate. Life ban Booom! pic.twitter.com/xNQ0SEplwc
— Allan Donald (@AllanDonald33) April 28, 2017
