Glad to see that Riverside Sheriffs took care of business recently, arresting the man who tackled a referee at an adult soccer game in Temecula.
The ref ended the match 20 mins early when players started fighting. Then while he was recording his match report on the field, a man tackled him.
That man was later arrested at his home for felony battery. Apparently the referee was injured badly enough to be taken to the hospital for spinal injuries.
Don't know if man was a spectator or a team official.
Also, and more importantly, don't know if referee was doing match alone, with ARs, or with club linesmen.
Lessons here:
- When you end a match early, especially due to violence, don't spend alot of time hanging around;
- Don't stand on the field with your head down in a match report, especially if you don't have ARs to either side of you;
- Here's an example of why I stress that the REFEREE TEAM should stand together on the field after the match, never split between the two halves of the field, like I often see;
- When you sense or know problems have happened during a game that might cause confrontation afterward, the referee team should leave the field together;
- When you arrive at a field, find a resting place that is neutral, near the direction of exit to your car, but out of the way of heavy foot traffic to reduce chance the your equipment is taken.
Remember also, as the police officers did here, there is a special section in the penal code for Battery on a Sports Official, which carries a higher punishment than simple battery.
Be safe and alert.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-soccer6-2010apr06,0,4011418.story
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