CROSS Keys are likely to launch a vigorous defence of an unnamed player following Gavin Quinnell’s horror eye injury suffered at Pandy Park last Saturday.

The Llanelli lock has lost the sight in his left eye after an incident in the first half.

Gwent Police are investigating an allegation of assault while the Scarlets and Llanelli lodged a formal citing complaint with the Welsh Rugby Union earlier this week, which is currently being dealt with through the disciplinary processes.

Keys have passed on their best wishes to Quinnell and his family but are making no official comment on the incident.

However, I understand they are backing the unnamed player and believe it was a tragic accident.

The incident occurred in a ruck on the halfway line, 10 metres away from the video analysis camera on the front row of the grandstand.

There was no reaction from the Llanelli team towards the player immediately after Quinnell was caught in the eye, nor was a penalty or any action taken by Cardiff referee David Bodilly.

The Scarlets, in a statement issued with the Quinnell family, confirmed that 26-year-old Gavin had received the news that he had lost the sight in his left eye following consultation with a team of ophthalmic specialists at Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital.

“It is with a huge disappointment and regret that we can confirm that Gavin has received a conclusive report from medics that he has permanently lost his sight in his left eye,” read the statement.

“Naturally, the Quinnell family are all shocked and devastated and have asked to be given time and space to come to terms with the news.”