Rugby League star banned for LIFE after knocking out referee in brutal one-punch attack and brawling with opponents

THE FRENCH Rugby League player who delivered a knockout punch to a referee has been banned for life.

Saint Esteve’s Hedi Ouedji produced the horrific action last month during a French Cup match against Toulouse.

He struck official Benjamin Casty to leave him lying motionless on the pitch.

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Sickening footage that shows the ref, who is the brother of Catalan Dragons star Remi Casty, fall to the ground after the single punch from the 21-year-old.

And Ouedji will now face the heftiest of penalties for his shocking attack after the French Federation handed him a lifetime suspension on Friday.

A spokesman for the governing body said: “The player not only undermined the physical integrity of a referee, Benjamin Casty, but also tainted the image of a sport that had not experienced such a reprehensible act.

“FFR XIII is determined not to grant any forgiveness to players, leaders or supporters who do not respect the decisions of a referee, whose difficult role is measured every weekend.”

Ouedjdi could land himself in even more hot water with Casty bringing a civil complaint.

A number of the opposition players came running over to confront the out of control Ouedjdi following the assault, only for him to respond by swinging a number of punches at them.