Soccer ref critically injured after attack by teen player, Utah police say
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 46-year-old man was injured Saturday morning while officiating a game being played in the fields behind Eisenhower Jr. High, just outside Salt Lake City. (Fox13Now.com)
A soccer referee in Utah was critically injured after being attacked by a 17-year-old player angry about a call made during the game, police said.
Fox13Now.com reports that the 46-year-old ref was injured Saturday morning while officiating a game being played in the fields behind Eisenhower Jr. High School, which is just south of Salt Lake City.
"He's [the player] upset about that call that the referee made, and turns and immediately strikes that referee in the face," Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal told FOX 13.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The referee was transported to the hospital by ambulance with what police initially believed were "minor injuries." Upon further examination, the injuries were much more severe — caused by a single punch to the face.
"Once he got to the hospital, they found he had more serious injuries, head injuries as a result of that assault," Hoyal told Fox13Now.com
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On Monday afternoon, the 17-year-old player was booked into a juvenile detention facility on suspicion of aggravated assault. Depending on what happens to the victim, charges could rise to adult-level charges.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"It's one of those reminders that it's a game. It's not worth inflicting injury to someone over a game," said Hoyal.