'Absolute melt' - Pitch invader dubbed Wales' least popular person

A pitch invader who appeared to get in the way of a possible try for Wales has been dubbed the least popular person in the nation.

Wales failed in their bid to beat the Springboks in Cardiff, the first time they have felt to repel them in eight years, losing an agonisingly close game 18 – 23.

Some believe the pitch invasder’s intervention cost Wales’ dearly, potentially even the result.

The drama came in the 65th minute when Wales attacked through substitute Liam Williams just as a spectator ran on to the pitch only a few metres away from him and inside South Africa’s 22.

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Why the All Blacks selection race is tighter than it’s ever been | Healthspan Elite Performer of the Week

It was debatable whether Wales would have scored, but Williams had to jump over the pitch invader before he was duly led away as Wales led with 15 minutes to go.

The intruder – who appeared to be wearing Welsh supporter’s clothing – was dragged off the field by security and booed by the fans as he went, although he appeared quite happy to wave to the 70,000 odd irate fans as he was ejected.

Principality Stadium manager Mark Williams confirmed after the match that the spectator had been swiftly dealt with.

He said: “We condemn this type of behaviour in the strongest possible terms. He was intercepted and immediately escorted from the stadium and handed over to South Wales Police.”

Social media was fuming at the drunken punter.

“Absolute madness. Probably the most unpopular man in Wales right now,” wrote EK Rugby Analysis on Twitter.

Absolute madness. Probably the most unpopular man in Wales right now#WALvRSA pic.twitter.com/zfLXuV3tZa

— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) November 6, 2021

Graham Love wrote: “Everyone calling for the pitch invader to be arrested but frankly being loudly & very publicly released outside the ground would be a better punishment…”

Everyone calling for the pitch invader to be arrested but frankly being loudly & very publicly released outside the ground would be a better punishment…#WALvRSA

— Graham Love (@glove931) November 6, 2021

“This is just disgraceful. Pitch invader ruined a big chance for Wales. #WALvRSA . People glorifying these idiots the last 2 weeks – these lads like #jarvo69 need lifetime bans,” wrote Brett Igoe.

This is just disgraceful . Pitch invader ruined a big chance for Wales. #WALvRSA . People glorifying these idiots the last 2 weeks – these lads like #jarvo69 need lifetime bans.

— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) November 6, 2021

Irish journalist Neil Treacy suggested an alternative punishment: “As punishment, the pitch invader should be forced to catch a hospital pass in front of Am and De Allende…”

As punishment, the pitch invader should be forced to catch a hospital pass in front of Am and De Allende… #WALvRSA

— Neil Treacy (@neil_treacy) November 6, 2021