A footballer has been arrested after allegedly punching a referee to the ground in retaliation for being shown a red card. Footage filmed from the stands shows the player seemingly lunging at the official and flooring him with a single, forceful punch to the face. Gasps could be heard from spectators as police officers providing security at the match rushed onto the pitch and grabbed the player before he could leave.
Incident during regional league match
The violent scenes unfolded during a regional league match in Capitán Bermúdez, Argentina, on Sunday (August 9) afternoon. The suspected assault took place in the 35th minute, with the score at 1-1, after referee Hugo Walter Masuelli sent off Club Barrio Quinta player Jorge Godoy for a foul on the edge of his own penalty area.
In retaliation for the red card, Godoy, 35, allegedly punched 53-year-old Masuelli in the right cheekbone, leaving him sprawled on the grass. Police officers intervened immediately and arrested Godoy.
Arrest and aftermath
Although his team-mates tried to prevent officers from taking him away, they escorted him to a local police station, where he was placed at the disposal of the duty prosecutor. The referee received medical attention at the scene and was later taken to a local health centre for further checks. The match was suspended as a result of the incident, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Barrio Quinta, the visiting team, said in a statement: “Our club considers any type of assault, threat, insult or violent behaviour, whether on or off the pitch, to be absolutely unacceptable. These acts do not represent the values we promote or the sporting spirit that should prevail at every match. We also express our solidarity and support for the referee involved, as well as for everyone who may have been affected by the incident.”
Home team response
The home team, Club Santa Catalina, said it would not file a report and would instead await a decision from the Sanlorencina Regional Football League and its Disciplinary Tribunal.
