A rugby player is fighting for his life in hospital. (Image: Getty Images)
An amateur rugby player is battling for his life in hospital after allegedly being struck in the head by an opponent during a match. Noha Loubety, a 23-year-old winger for French club US Severac XV, remains in a critical condition following the incident during his side’s reserve team fixture against AS Maureilhan-Montady.
According to French reports, Loubety was allegedly « punched violently in the temple » by an opposition player following a tackle towards the end of the game. The incident has left the young winger with a fractured skull and a brain haemorrhage. He is currently in a coma after being airlifted to a hospital in Toulouse, with emergency surgery scheduled.
The player who allegedly delivered the punch was immediately sent off by the referee and was subsequently arrested and placed in police custody for « intentional violence resulting in an incapacity exceeding eight days in a sports venue, » according to local media.
Having reportedly been given « a life-threatening prognosis », a photograph of Loubety in hospital has been circulated on social media, with clubs throughout France sending messages of support to his family and team-mates.
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Sharing the photograph of Loubety in hospital, his family posted on social media: « He came to play rugby, his passion. Today, his life is in danger because of unacceptable violence. Our family is devastated and angry. »
In a club statement, US Severac XV confirmed they were awaiting updates on Loubety’s condition whilst hoping for « reassuring news » and pledged to stand by his family throughout this « painful ordeal ».
« It is with immense emotion that we speak today following the events that occurred this Sunday during our reserve team’s match against AS Maureilhan-Montady, » the statement from the ninth-tier club read.
« As you know, our player Noha Loubety was very seriously injured just minutes before the end of the match, after being punched in the temple. He is currently being treated by the medical teams, and we are awaiting further developments regarding his condition.
« The entire club sends its love, support, and most sincere thoughts to Noha, his parents, his sister, and all his family and loved ones. In this painful ordeal, US Sévérac XV stands fully by their side and will support them with all the solidarity that is the strength of our club. »
The statement continued: « Rugby is a sport founded on respect, commitment, and brotherhood, values to which we are unwaveringly attached. We warmly thank the many clubs, players, supporters, and individuals for their messages of support, which demonstrate the unity of the rugby family during these difficult times.
« Today, all our thoughts and hopes are with Noha. We hope to be able to give you reassuring news very soon. »
Meanwhile, AS Maureilhan-Montady said it « condemned in the strongest possible terms » the incident that left Loubety fighting for his life in hospital.
In a statement, the club said it « expresses its deep emotion and unwavering support for Noha, a player for US Severac XV, as well as for his family and his club. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the isolated act of which he was the victim during the match between the two reserve teams. »
The French Rugby Federation also released a statement to Le Parisien, saying it « firmly condemns the senseless and unacceptable act, » and confirmed the regional league’s disciplinary committee had been notified.
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