Serbia v Ireland game abandoned after violence

The international match between Ireland and Serbia in Belgrade on Saturday was abandoned early after controversy.

Local eyewitnesses have reported that the game erupted into violence after a Serbian coach punched an Irish player who was running in to score.

That apparently caused a mass brawl to erupt, and once that had died down, the Irish players refused to return to the field.

The referee therefore abandoned the game in the 65th minute, with the Irish leading 24-16.

Love Rugby League has sought official comment from Rugby League Ireland, and will update this story as things develop.