Rugby fan who attacked referee blames 'biased' official

The South African rugby fan who attacked Irish referee David McHugh at a Tri-Nations match last week says the referee deserved it.

Pieter van Zyl claims the referee made biased calls against his side in the match against New Zealand.

He also says he will plead not guilty to charges of assault and trespassing.

Van Zyl adds he will seek to reverse a life ban against him attending rugby games in South Africa.

"Don't forget that the incident happened when the referee closed his one eye and ceased to see the (South Africa's) Springboks. I'm therefore not sorry that I did what I did," van Zyl said.

"If the referee didn't do what he did, that incident would not have happened," said van Zyl, who is free on bail.

South Africa's top rugby body is launching an investigation to determine how van Zyl managed to get on the field and tackle McHugh at the game in Durban.

Mr McHugh suffered a dislocated shoulder in the match that New Zealand went on to win, 30-23.

Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour has joined South African sporting officials condemning van Zyl's actions.

He said: "I was highly disturbed at the actions of the individual who decided that his personal prejudices are more important than the good reputation that our country enjoys in international sport."