Footballer in Spain assaults referee but avoids maximum ban
A regional league player has been suspended for three years after a physical attack on an 18-year-old referee during a match on Sunday.
A regional league footballer in Spain has been given a three-year ban for a shocking physical assault on an 18-year-old referee during a match on Sunday.
Young referee on end of brutal attack
The incident occurred in a game between Miralbueno and San Juan in the Primera Regional de Aragón division, the sixth tier of Spanish football.
In the 28th minute of the fixture, Miralbueno player 'R.C.' reacted to a decision by the match official by knocking him to the ground and repeatedly punching him.
Miralbueno have also been fined 200 euros over the assault, which led to the abandonment of the match, while the individual has been expelled by the club.
Avoids five-year suspension
However, he escaped the maximum ban of five years as the Federación Aragonesa de Fútbol (FAF) deemed the offence to be 'serious' rather than 'very serious'.
Calls for strike by referees
The incident, the latest example of regular physical and verbal abuse endured by referees and assistant referees in Spain, has brought about a change.org petition calling for a strike by lower-league and youth football officials.