A Welsh footballer has endured a nightmare ordeal after sustaining a shattered knee in a terrifying attack involving baseball bats following a game.

Goalie Joel Collins, 32, was left with severe “life-changing” injuries in the cruel aftermath at Eastern Leisure Centre in Llanrumney on the afternoon of October 12. He and his teammates from Avenue Hotspur FC were leaving the pitch after a 3-1 defeat to Llanrumney Athletic in Division 1 of the Cardiff and District Football League when the shocking violence erupted.

According to the FAW’s results app, the referee issued three red cards and two yellow cards during the course of the march. Avenue Hotspur FC, stated “several players” were assaulted upon exiting the changing rooms, describing the scenes as both “distressing” and “frightening”.

Llanrumney Athletic also “strongly condemned” the attack in a statement, adding that “to the club’s knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved.”

Despite his horrific injury, Mr Collins remains “in good spirits” after his surgery.

As South Wales Police delves into the case, descriptions have surfaced of assailants wielding weapons and wearing face coverings, with a vehicle reported being also wrecked during the incident. Still, no arrests have been made, reports Wales Online.

A spokesperson for Avenue Hotspur said: “We strongly condemn the violence that occurred at the Eastern Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 12 and trust the the police will do all they can to bring those involved to justice. This shocking incident, in which several players were violently attacked as they left the changing rooms, is completely unacceptable and was a really distressing and frightening experience for everyone involved.”

“We are fully cooperating with the police and the South Wales Football Association in their investigations, and our primary at present is focussed on supporting all those affected at this time. We are relieved to report that Joel Collins is in good spirits and is currently undergoing surgery to repair a broken knee.”

“In the meantime I would like to thank the wider football community in Wales for their messages of comfort and support at this difficult time for everyone at Avenue Hotspur FC,” the statement continued. “As a family focused community football club proud to represent the Ely Community we are committed to providing a fun filled, safe and inclusive environment for all and are hoping to return to playing in the next few weeks.”

Llanrumney Athletic has issued a statement expressing their concern for those injured during the post-match violence, stating: “Following Saturday’s game vs Avenue Hotspurs, Llanrumney Athletic would firstly like to wish anyone injured in the incident a speedy recovery. We were here for football and no one should ever have to worry about whether they will make it to work the next day following a game of football.”

The club also denounced the violent actions, saying: “We strongly condemn the actions of the individuals involved in this incident. To the club’s knowledge, no players or coaching staff were involved in this incident and should any information come to light to contradict this, they will be dealt with accordingly. Llanrumney Athletic is cooperating with all ongoing enquiries.”

South Wales Police confirmed they are investigating the violent disorder that erupted in Llanrumney, Cardiff, stating: “South Wales Police is continuing to investigate an incident of violent disorder in Llanrumney, Cardiff. Shortly after 4pm on Saturday (October 12) police were called to report of an on-going disturbance outside Eastern Leisure Centre, Llanrumney Avenue.

“The disorder followed a football match and involved a group of individuals some of whom were described as having weapons and wearing face-coverings. There were several assaults, including one on a 32-year man from Ely who suffered a life-changing injury, and a vehicle was damaged.”

South Wales Police are urging anyone with information or footage to get in touch by quoting reference 2400340400. Members of the public can reach out to the force via their website or by dialling 101.

For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111.