Scotland rugby fans attacked by city gang on way to Murrayfield

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 11:56

TWO Scotland rugby fans were attacked in the street while on their way to watch the match against Australia, police said today.

One of the fans, aged 29, was kicked and punched unconscious by a group of four or five men after he got separated from his friend.

His 30-year-old friend was left bruised when he tried to stop the attack.

The men were walking to Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh when they realised they had left their match tickets in a restaurant in George Street where they had eaten.

But the gang pounced when the two men became separated by supporters walking to the stadium at around 5.30pm on Saturday.

It is not known if the attackers were rugby supporters.

A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: "Incidents of this nature are extremely rare within this area of city centre and this appears to be a completely random attack.

"Unfortunately we do not have a description of the males involved and are extremely keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident and can help us determine their identity.

"Similarly, anyone with information that can assist with our enquiries is asked to contact police immediately."

The 29-year-old man was left with swollen eyes and a cut head and was treated in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Both of the men who were assaulted are from Morayshire.

Scotland ended their 27-year losing streak to Australia by beating the Wallabies 9-8 on Saturday.