A football referee in New South Wales has been allegedly punched and kicked in a post-match attack, prompting a police investigation and widespread condemnation. The incident occurred at the end of an amateur match between Greenacre Eagles and Padstow Hornets in Sydney on Friday night.
Footage shows a spectator shouting “hey ref, get out of there” before the adult official was felled. The attacker, reportedly a suspended player, punched the referee’s face at least three times and appeared to kick him. After being separated, the man made a second run at the injured referee, arming himself with a plastic chair, but was intercepted by players and others on the sideline.
The bloodied referee is heard saying, “He broke my jaw, he broke my jaw.” The Greenacre Eagles subsequently withdrew from all remaining men’s premier league matches for the 2023 season. The club committee pledged to assist police and work with the association to impose appropriate sanctions, stating that “all forms of violence have no place in our game.”
NSW Sports Minister Steve Kamper called the attack “absolutely unacceptable,” emphasising that all referees and players should feel safe in local sport. Premier Chris Minns highlighted the critical role of officials, often young, in amateur sporting organisations, noting that without them, leagues cannot operate.
The Bankstown District Amateur Football Association said it would follow its judiciary regulations and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards violence. Football NSW also stated it has zero tolerance for antisocial behaviour from any participants.
