From the Guardian · · 2m
Riot erupts at boxing event as Tommy Robinson inflames crowd
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson's presence at an influencer boxing event in Kilkenny sparked violence that left three arrested and footage spreading across social media.
In brief
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson's presence at an influencer boxing event in Kilkenny sparked violence that left three arrested and footage spreading across social media. A riot broke out at an influencer boxing event in Kilkenny, Ireland, after far-right activist Tommy Robinson made inflammatory comments about…
Riot at boxing event in Kilkenny
Two people were arrested at an influencer boxing event that descended into a riot in Ireland after far-right activist Tommy Robinson's presence inflamed tensions in the crowd.
Event details and Robinson's status
The riot took place at about midnight on Saturday at the Hub events venue in Kilkenny, organised by internet personality Harrison Sullivan.
Robinson invited to commentator's desk
The event was livestreamed to about one point eight million viewers on Kick. Tensions rose when organisers invited Robinson to the commentator's desk before a fight by Muslim social media personality Mo Deen, whose real…
Robinson's inflammatory comments
Robinson, holding a copy of his book The Grooming Gang Cover-Up, told the commentator that Muslims have been raping our country for one hundred years and cited false statistics about Muslim men and sexual offences.
“Muslims have been raping our country for 100 years”
First confrontation in the ring
After Kubba won his fight he climbed out of the ring and jumped on Robinson, throwing punches. Security brought the scuffle under control and further fights were set to resume.
Organisers demand bareknuckle fight
Sullivan demanded that Kubba return to face off against Robinson in the ring. A reluctant Kubba was escorted back by security. Sullivan repeatedly said let Tommy fight him and allowed Robinson's entourage into the ring.
“let Tommy fight him”
Violence erupts across the venue
When Kubba arrived in the ring filled with Robinson's supporters, Robinson threw a copy of his book at Kubba and a fight broke out.
Police response and arrests
Over twenty minutes violent scenes unfolded before security and gardaí broke up the riot.A male in his thirties was assaulted and taken to St Luke's hospital in Kilkenny.
Organiser's response and aftermath
Sullivan acknowledged erring by not hiring more event security, saying everyone makes mistakes when trying to grow something.
“One thing I can say is it was a great night of entertainment and it's gone super viral.”
The essence
A riot broke out at an influencer boxing event in Kilkenny, Ireland, after far-right activist Tommy Robinson made inflammatory comments about Muslims, leading to three arrests.
