High School Soccer Referee Seriously Injured After Player Tackles Him
An Ohio referee suffered a collapsed lung and broken ribs when a Steubenville player inexplicably charged and tackled him during a playoff game.
A high school soccer referee sustained severe injuries, including a collapsed lung and broken ribs, after being tackled by a player during a playoff game on Tuesday night. The incident occurred during a district matchup between New Philadelphia and Steubenville in Ohio.
Video footage shows the player, appearing to be from Steubenville, running up behind the referee and tackling him to the ground. The player's apparent motive was frustration after one of his teammates received a red card.
The injured official was transported to a hospital for treatment. The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) stated that the organization is awaiting the school's disciplinary response to the student-athlete before determining any additional penalties. A spokesperson for the OHSAA emphasized that physical violence against an official is considered a serious offense.
The Steubenville Board of Education confirmed it has worked with the OHSAA to address the incident and that disciplinary action has been imposed. However, the board cited student privacy laws as the reason for not disclosing the specific punishment.
"The District remains committed to maintaining high standards of sportsmanship, respect, and safety at all athletic events," a spokesperson for the Steubenville Board of Education said.
New Philadelphia won the game 2-1, advancing to the District Final. Steubenville and the player involved were eliminated from the playoffs by the loss.