FA issues statement after referee was reportedly assaulted at Sunday League game
“He did want to re-ref the next week but we said no”
The FA has issued a statement after a referee was reportedly assaulted during a Sunday League game in Rotherham.
The alleged incident occurred during a local derby between Rawmarsh FC and The Horse and Jockey FC on October 25.
The referee was reportedly hit in the face by a ball accidentally during the game, and was coming off to be replaced when he was confronted by a spectator.
It is claimed the referee then told the spectator to “go away”, following which he was reportedly grabbed and thrown to the floor.
In a statement, the Football Association (FA) said: “We are aware of this incident and are investigating.”
South Yorkshire Police have also launched an investigation into the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A force spokesperson said: “On Monday 26 October, we received a report of an assault alleged to have taken place at around 11.35am the previous day (25 October) on the football pitch behind Barbers Avenue, Rotherham.
“It is reported that a man was grabbed and pushed to the ground by another man. The victim received injuries that are not believed to be serious.”
The referee was taken to hospital for a CT scan following the alleged incident and was found to have a concussion.
Mark Pilley, secretary of the Rotherham and District Sunday League, confirmed the incident and said the referee involved was “a bit sore but okay”.
He said the referee returned home following his trip to the hospital, and was keen to get back to officiating as soon as possible.
Mr Pilley said: “He did want to re-ref the next week but we said no.”
The referee was paid his match fee for the following week’s game regardless so that he did not miss out on income.
If found guilty by the FA, the person involved could be fined and banned from playing football for up to 10 years.
Regarding punishment, Mr Pilley said: “As a league, we have moved the fixtures of the team we think are involved.
“Our hands are tied with the FA. Until they’ve got the charges we can’t say what's going to happen next.
“Whether that’s a week or four we don’t know.”
Unconfirmed reports suggest other referees in the league were considering a strike following the alleged assault.
South Yorkshire Police urge anyone with information that could help to get in touch online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 14/188285/26.