WELSH rugby's civil war erupted in sensational fashion in Gwent last night.
Newport Rugby Club's millionaire owner Tony Brown found himself banned when he arrived at Ebbw Vale to watch his team take on their local rivals. And Argus journalist Robin Davey was also ejected from the Ebbw Vale club office when he attem-pted to report a confrontation between Newport chairman David Watkins and counterpart Marcus Russell.
Ebbw Vale's directors ordered the ban because Mr Brown is a leading member of the so-called Gang of Six clubs aiming to reduce the number of teams playing top-level rugby in Wales.
Ebbw Vale believe such a plan would put them out of business.
As the bitterness erupted in front of millions of TV viewers last night, one Ebbw Vale director claimed allowing Mr Brown into the ground would be like "Winston Churchill inviting Hitler to dinner".
Mr Brown and other Newport directors were forced to watch the game on TV in a nearby pub.
PICTURE: Newport RFC's millionaire owner Tony Brown is refused entry by stewards at Ebbw Vale last night
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article