A football match for veterans was abandoned in Cwmbran, South Wales, after a referee was allegedly assaulted on the pitch.
The incident occurred in the 77th minute of the game between Cwmbran Celtic over-40s and Tiger Bay Veterans at the Motazone Arena. The referee had reportedly shown a red card shortly before the alleged attack.
Supporters witnessed the game descend into chaos. At the time of the abandonment, Tiger Bay Veterans were leading the match 4-3.
Cwmbran Celtic has issued a statement clarifying that no players, supporters, or officials associated with their club were involved in the incident. The club stated it handled the situation with respect and in line with expected values, condemning violence and behavior that falls short of football standards. They are cooperating fully with ongoing investigations.
The South Wales Football Association (SWFA) and the Welsh Veterans FA have launched investigations into the matter. An SWFA spokesman confirmed awareness of social media reports and unequivocally condemned any abuse, threatening behavior, or violence towards match officials, deeming it unacceptable and without place in football. The SWFA is in direct contact with the official and liaising with the relevant league.
Gwent Police confirmed they received a report of an assault at a football match on Monday, October 26, with the alleged incident occurring the previous day, Sunday, October 25. The force stated it had received a report of an assault.
This incident follows recent scrutiny in Welsh sport regarding player conduct towards officials. In a separate event, a Super Rygbi Cymru match between Llandovery and Ebbw Vale saw Ebbw Vale lock Curtis Gregory receive a straight red card for deliberately stamping on an opposition player. The referee deemed the act a stamp on the leg, resulting in a permanent red card. Dyfed-Powys Police stated this incident had not been reported to them, and no investigation was ongoing. Previously, a Fairwater RFC player received a 192-week ban for allegedly slapping cards from a referee's hands and verbally abusing him in January 2023, marking his second offense under 'law 9.28 - abuse of match official'.