Eye gouge leaves player blinded

POLICE launched an investigation into a rugby game after a player was blinded in one eye when he was gouged by an opponent.

Clarence Harding, 26, was rushed to hospital during a cup match between his team, Gravesend Rugby Club, and Maidstone RFC on Saturday. Gravesend have demanded an investigation after surgeons said Mr Harding is unlikely to regain the sight in his right eye.

Mr Harding, who was playing number eight, said:

"It was over in an instant but it dawned on me that something pretty serious had happened. The ball was nowhere near my head at the time."