Spectators Injured at a Bullfight near Nimes

One man is still in critical condition following the incident that took place on Saturday afternoon at a bullfight in Saint-Chaptes, near Nimes.

Although the venue had complied with all safety requirements the bull jumped into the front row of the grandstand after charging towards the bull fighter. Five people were injured, including a man in his 40's who had severe abdominal injuries and an 11 year old girl.

This incident follows the recent news that bullfighting has just been removed from France's 'intangible heritage' list. Countries are required to list cultural practices that are worthy of protection - a list that will be considered by UNESCO as possibilities for world intangible heritage. There was much controversy over the inclusion of corrida - the bullfighting that is practised in many French towns in the south and across Provence - on France's list and eventually the Paris Administrative Appeal Court made this ruling, "The evidence presented shows that the file on the corrida no longer appears on the ministry’s site and the corrida is no longer in the list of sporting practices that the site collates; this being so, its inscription on the French intangible heritage list must be taken as being annulled.”

This is by no means a ban on the sport, but this, along with the injuries to spectators sustained at the weekend, will be a blow to what many still consider to be a tradition that should be held dear.