Manly fan left bloodied in ugly Vegas stadium fight
Manly’s victory over South Sydney in the NRL’s Las Vegas showpiece all got a bit too much for one unfortunate Sea Eagles fan.
The underdog Sea Eagles impressed on the field, scoring six tries to five for a 36-24 season-opening triumph over the Rabbitohs at Allegiant Stadium.
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But as the saying goes, there’s always one idiot to spoil an occasion, or two in this case.
Details are hazy, but there are a series of short videos on social media of a fight breaking out in the stands, beginning with a man in a Sea Eagles jumper staggering on his feet, seemingly influenced by alcohol.
In one video, which goes for about 10 seconds, he is being held by another man who seems to be trying to protect him, while a third guy in a light grey shirt is trying to get in blows when he can.
The man in the NRL jersey looks an extremely easy target and while he keeps mumbling to someone, the third man gets in a hard slap that rocks the unfortunate individual.
The third guy is being held back by a woman and points and yells at the Manly fan before the video ends.
In another post, the Manly fan is being escorted away with blood all over his face and right hand.
It is not clear what sparked the incident or what became of the guy in the light grey shirt throwing the punches.
In a final video, the Manly fan is seen in a wheelchair being checked by medical personnel, still clutching his Manly hat and scarf in his hand, with someone yelling “go Manly”.
Not surprisingly the incident drew a range of comments on social media, with some targeting the guy who appears the most sober and who is throwing the punches.
“What a hero!” wrote one Facebook user sarcastically. “Dog shot a drunk bloke who pretty much has his arms pinned.”
“Good to showcase the NRL to the USA,” was another comment.
“Manly got a (win and a loss) on the one night,” wrote another.
“Such a classy game and culture to be showcasing to the world,” added a fourth.
In the end, the NRL’s Las Vegas experiment drew a crowd of 40,746, with the Roosters prevailing 20-10 over the Broncos in the second match.