A REFEREE was left with no option but to abandon a soccer match in Ireland after he was allegedly assaulted by a player.
Match official Michael Comiskey brought the Wexford Football League Fourth Division clash between Ballagh United and Gorey Celtic to a premature close after reportedly being wrestled to the ground in the 70th minute.
Tensions were running high on the pitch, with Gorey Celtic racing into a 5-0 lead with around 20 minutes of play remaining.
However, the game was brought to an immediate halt following the alleged attack.
A full investigation is now set to take place while a complaint regarding the assault has also been lodged with the local Gardaí.
While the referee did not sustain any injuries in the attack, league officials are awaiting the results of a full investigation before punishing the guilty parties.
Wexford Football League Secretary, Gertrude Rowlands, told the Irish Mirror they are awaiting the referee’s report.
“We will consider the referee’s report and then decide on a course of action. There’s nothing more we can say at the moment,” he said.
The incident comes a few months after a referee was left with a jaw broken in two places, a fractured eye socket and numerous lacerations to his nose following a Leinster Senior League clash between Horseleap United and Mullingar Town in Co. Westmeath.
