CSL Forums

AN AMATEUR soccer match was called off early following an “assault on the pitch” in which a player was repeatedly punched by an opponent from a Newton-based club.

A Rostrevor Old Collegians player could cop a ban of up to seven weeks after allegedly punched a Pembroke Old Scholars opponent several times at the 75th minute of a division three clash in the Collegiate Soccer League on July 29 at Park 17.

A Pembroke player said on social media last weekend the incident started after a team mate made a “bad tackle” on a Rostrevor player.

“The (Rostrevor) opponent player snapped,” the Pembroke player said.

“Took a huge swing and knocked our player to the ground, then dived into our player and continued to lay punches to the head as our player laid on the ground trying to cover his head.

“Worst thing I’ve seen in 25 years. A disgrace. Charges should be laid in my view. Nobody consents to being assaulted on the sporting field.”

With Pembroke leading 3-1, the game was called off.

League chairman Raf Plawecki said the score was likely to stand with player penalties expected to be handed down this week.

“The Rostrevor player is looking at between five to seven weeks (on the sidelines),” he said. “The Pembroke player could get between two and three weeks.

“Both were automatically suspended over the weekend, so they won’t be playing. The incident happened and there were no further fights.

“The two players were separated and the game was finished. It’s difficult (to assess the incident) as we don’t have any video footage. We need to get reports from the referees.”

The league says a Rostrevor player had been sent off earlier in the match after attempting to retrieve the ball from an opposition player.

Both clubs were reluctant to speak before deadline but confirmed the incident.

A Football Federation SA spokesman said the matter was being addressed by the league.