Witness 'lies' in ear biting case

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A rugby player accused of biting off a piece of a rival's ear in a fight during a game has told a jury witnesses to the incident were "lying".

Flanker Gareth Jones, 25, of Cardiff side Star RFC allegedly attacked a player from the Rhiwbina team after the referee awarded them a penalty.

Daniel Hobbs, 25, needed 20 stitches to reattach his earlobe, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

Mr Jones, of Rhoose, south Wales, denies wounding with intent.

Mr Jones told the court: "Witnesses who say they saw me bite him are lying, 100% they're lying.

"I don't know whether he was bitten or not but it wasn't by me."

The court had already heard that the game, a home match for Rhiwbina, had only being going for 10 minutes when the fight happened.

'Sharp pain'

Prosecutor Mike Jones said: "Rhiwbina were awarded a penalty but were blocked by opposition players.

"Both teams started pushing and shoving and Jones came face to face with Mr Hobbs.

"Jones grabbed hold of his upper arm, lent forward and purposely bit him on the left ear without any justification.

"Hobbs immediately felt a sharp pain and put his hand up to his ear. When he pulled his hand back it was covered in blood."

The jury heard that Mr Jones was arrested after the match.

The trial continues.