Probe launched after ref allegedly assaulted by coach in women's football match

13 March 2023 , 14:39

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A South Wales Women's and Girls League match was called off after the alleged incident on Sunday.

A women’s football match was abandoned on Sunday after a referee was allegedly assaulted by a member of one team’s coaching staff.

The South Wales Football Association has launched an investigation into the alleged incident at an amateur women’s football match in South Wales, which Gwent Police said involved two men and left one suffering facial injuries.

Sunday’s South Wales Women’s and Girls League match between Tredegar Town Women and Afan Lido Ladies & Girls FC was called off following reports that a member of the Afan Lido coaching staff was shown a red card.

The South Wales FA said it was “aware of an alleged assault” in a statement posted to Twitter on Sunday night, adding that “the alleged perpetrator has been suspended from all aspects of football pending a full hearing" per Football Association of Wales protocol.

Afan Lido Ladies FC said they were cooperating with the SWFA probe, but had no further comment at this stage.

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Afan Lido FC, which represents the men’s teams, stated on Twitter that they were “not affiliated in any way” to the stand-alone women’s team and condemned “any physical or verbal abuse and disrespect towards match officials.”

In responding to the allegations, FAW chief executive Noel Mooney wrote on his Twitter account: “We are well aware of the incident and it goes now into the process which we respect and trust will ensure justice is served.

“The protection & support of our match officials must always be at the forefront of our thinking…..no ref, no game.”

Andrew Evans, chairman of Tredegar Town, said this type of behaviour "can't be condoned in our sport at any level". He added: "The sport needs referees, but who in their right mind would want to officiate when things like this occur?"

Running for almost 10 years, the South Wales Women’s and Girls League is an amateur league designed to create a direct pathway from junior football through to senior ladies.

Gwent Police said enquiries are ongoing and are appealing for information.

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Megan Feringa