Football: Probe into amateur match referee assault

A member of the coaching staff allegedly struck a match official during a game on Sunday

A football match had to be abandoned after a referee was allegedly assaulted by a member of one team's coaching staff.

Gwent Police said the incident on Sunday afternoon involved two men and left one suffering facial injuries.

Tredegar Town Women v Afan Lido Ladies was called off following reports a member of the Afan Lido coaching staff was shown a red card.

South Wales Football Association said it was "aware of an alleged assault".

Afan Lido Ladies FC said they were co-operating with the SWFA investigation, but had no further comment at this stage.

Responding to the allegations on social media, Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Noel Mooney said he was "aware of the incident".

"The protection and support of our match officials must always be at the forefront of our thinking... no ref, no game," he added.

The SWFA said: "In accordance with FAW regulations, the alleged perpetrator has been suspended from all aspects of football pending a full hearing. We cannot make any further comment at this time."

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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?"

Mr Evans added he has had young female players reconsider training to referee in response to the incident.

Afan Lido FC, which represents the men's teams, said they were "not affiliated in any way" to Afan Lido Ladies FC.

They said: "Afan Lido FC condemns any physical or verbal abuse and disrespect towards match officials.

"We would like to wish a speedy recovery to the match official involved in today's incident."

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

'Discouraging women in sport'

Tredegar's captain Darcie Taylor says incidents like this can put young women off sports

Darcy Taylor, Tredegar's captain, said she worries incidents like these are "extremely discouraging" in women's football.

"With young girls coming through the age groups aspiring to play for the seniors, at the ages of 15-16, it's an unnerving experience for these young players taking the step from junior to senior football anyway without these off-putting incidents occurring on the field," she said.

"The women from both teams played with no issues and were happy to play a civilised game without any abuse.

"The players involved were extremely frustrated with the outcome of the game being abandoned due to the disruption the opposing manager had caused."

She said players from the opposing teams seemed "embarrassed and disappointed".