Are UK Refs in as much danger?

[Saint in Paradise]

Two very recent cases over here, one adult football ref and one childrens rugby ref have both been attacked on the pitch.

 

One of two Auckland referees assaulted in the past month says he hopes his colleagues aren't as lenient on players in the future.

 

Len Gattsche required surgery after his jaw was broken after he sent a player off in a second division soccer match between Manukau City and Tauranga City.

 

Since then, a spectator has been arrested after allegedly running onto the field in a children's rugby game and grabbing the throat of a referee.

 

Mr Gattsche says he's had to give up refereeing, forfeit a working holiday and work less.

 

He also lost feeling in his chin and doctors say it may take two years to return, Fairfax reported.

 

"I probably shouldn't say it but I think some of the referees are allowing it to go on, abuse, things like that," he said.

 

Former Samoan international Tama Fasavalu, 36, has been charged with assault and is due to reappear in Manukau District Court next month.

 

Meanwhile, the spectator allegedly involved in the rugby incident at Papatoetoe at the weekend said he couldn't believe things had gone this far.

 

Falefiaoalii Faalolo, 50, who is due in Manukau District Court on an assault charge on Friday, told the New Zealand Herald he was "sort of embarrassed"

but disagreed with some of the allegations against him.

 

http://news.msn.co.nz/nationalnews/8472417/dont-be-so-lenient-injured-ref-says

 

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