Police investigating Rotherham Sunday League match violence amid reports referee was assaulted
“It is reported that a man was grabbed and pushed to the ground by another man”
Violence is alleged to have broken out at a Rotherham Sunday League match - sparking a police investigation - amid reports the referee was assaulted.
The incident reportedly occurred during a Rawmarsh local derby, between Rawmarsh FC and The Horse and Jockey FC, on October 25, 2026.
The match’s referee is believed to have been assaulted during the course of the game, following which he was taken to hospital for a CT scan and was later found to be concussed.
South Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation into the incident, and are appealing for 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.”
Mark Pilley, secretary of the Rotherham and District Sunday League, confirmed the alleged assault on the referee.
Commenting on the referee’s condition following the incident, Mr Pilley said he was “a bit sore but okay”, and that he returned home the same day.
He said some of the League’s fixtures have been moved, while the matter is investigated.
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.