- A rugby referee was knocked unconscious during a championship match
- The second-tier match was eventually abandoned 28 minutes into the match
A Championship rugby match between Ampthill and Hartpury was abandoned on Saturday after referee Alex Thomas was injured.
Thomas appeared to have been knocked unconscious when he was accidentally hit by a free-kick from Hartpury fly-half Harry Bazalgate during the first half.
The visitors had taken a 14-0 lead at The Olney Field when the game was halted after the incident.
Medical personnel provided assistance before carrying Thomas off the field on a stretcher.
After 28 minutes it was decided to abandon the match.
In a statement after the incident, Ampthill expressed concern for Thomas and announced the match would be rescheduled for a later date.
A championship match was abandoned on Saturday after referee Alex Thomas appeared to be knocked out after being hit by the ball
It read: ‘We regret that this afternoon’s match had to be abandoned after 28 minutes of play due to an injury to referee Alex Thomas.
‘Our thoughts are with Alex for a speedy recovery. We realize that the decision is disappointing for the supporters who traveled to the match, but our priority is the health of the players and match officials.
‘The match will be rescheduled in due course and all tickets will be valid for this match.’
Hartpury currently sit sixth in the championship, 13 points behind leaders Ealing Trailfinders.