Sons black at playgroup

[StressedToTheMaxx]

I really need advice please.

I take ds to a playgroup every week.
I went to same playgroup when my older child was young. With a break inbetween dc working.

Our summer trip happened a few weeks ago.
Near the end of the day one of the children (3 years) was punching another child in the back. Was told to stop then gave my 2 year old a black eye.
I wish I could post a photo it was awful. We had to get an ice pack to stop swelling and everyone kept double looking for the rest of the day as his eye/cheek was a mess.

While I understand accidents happen. This child is a regular fighter. His mother is an older mum and admits she doesn't know how to deal with him. But also does herself no favours as she kisses and cuddles to distract him from being naughty- hate that word but can't really think of another one. Children are not naughty they just need guidance.
Mum often see him doing some he shouldn't and if she thinks no one is watching she just ignores it. This has been discussed by others also.

Anyways ds keeps asking to go back to playgroup and I dont know what to do.
I am going to feel on edge and watch every move he makes.
If he gets hurt again it will be my fault as I took him back.
Should I find a new group?
Should I man up and take him back?

Side note;
I understand children fight. If it had been my first, who was feisty I wouldn't be as fussed as dc may have started it/ gave as good as they got. I would put it down to kids will be kids.
But dc2 is scared of his own shadow and is shy/lacks confidence at times

I would take him back and just make sure I was close by if the other child attends.
If he does go for your DS again say a very firm “STOP, no hitting.” Then pick up your boy and move him away from the child, if it continues ask the other Mum to talk to her child about his behaviour, if she still can’t control him speak to the play group leader about it, it’s not fair that your child misses out on play group because this.

I am just worried he is hurt again. I could get talking and not notice for example.
Dh says it my decision.
I am quite friendly socially outside of the group with some of the ladies who go. But i still do feel it will be awkward sitting with his mum.
We didn't really leave it to well.

Ie she knew I was really mad.

Is there another group you can attend instead? So your DS doesn’t miss out?
Also did you report what happened last time to the leader? Punching another child severely enough to cause a black eye really needs addressing with the parent by the group leader, the other Mum needs referral to a parenting class by the sounds of it.
Might be worth giving the group leader a call and telling her you’re reluctant to come back because of what happened, she’ll be able to advise and reassure you.

It's not as formal as some of the other groups you go to.
All the others where horrified and know how i feel. But they said it's not worth falling out over children.
I think it would have been a different story had it been their own child though.

I think I will look at other place to take him.
It's very hard as we are social friends also.