Student accused of assaulting spectator at Dubai Rugby Sevens tournament

The Emirati teenager was leaving the arena when he was allegedly kicked in the neck and pushed down a flight of stairs by the defendant.

DUBAI // A student appeared in court on Sunday charged with attacking a spectator by pushing him down a flight of stairs at the Dubai Rugby Sevens tournament.

The criminal court heard that on November 29 last year, the victim, Emirati M A, 17, was watching the rugby match at the Sevens Stadium when a brawl broke out among some fans.

M A was leaving the arena to escape the trouble when he was bumped into by A A, 20, also an Emirati.

“I asked him why had he done so but he yelled at me saying ‘leave, leave,” said M A, who pushed the defendant away from him and continued walking towards the exit.

The defendant then allegedly kicked M A in his neck before pushing him down the stairs.

The victim was knocked unconscious and when he awoke found he had lost a front tooth.

A A was not in court on Sunday to enter a plea.

The next hearing will be on April 13.