Veteran Football Match Abandoned After Referee Assaulted
An investigation is underway after a referee was allegedly attacked during a veteran's football match, leading to its abandonment.
A football match for veterans in Cwmbran, South Wales, was abandoned in its 77th minute after a player allegedly assaulted the referee. The incident occurred on Sunday, October 25, at the Motazone Arena between Cwmbran Celtic over-40s and Tiger Bay Veterans. The match was abandoned while Tiger Bay Veterans held a 4-3 lead.
Police and the South Wales Football Association (SWFA) have launched investigations into the alleged assault. Gwent Police confirmed they received a report of an assault at a football match on Monday, October 26, related to the incident the previous day.
Cwmbran Celtic issued a statement clarifying that no players, supporters, or officials from their club were involved in the incident. The club stated they do not condone violence and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. They emphasized that out of respect for those involved, no further comments would be made until the investigation concludes.
The SWFA also released a statement condemning abuse, threatening behavior, or violence towards match officials, deeming such conduct unacceptable in football. The association is in direct contact with the affected match official and is liaising with the relevant league.
This incident follows recent controversies in Welsh sport involving violence. In a separate rugby match, a player was shown a red card for deliberately stamping on an opponent. Separately, a rugby player received a significant ban for verbally abusing and striking cards from a referee's hands in January 2023.