FAN HELD BY POLICE AFTER REF ASSAULT

A SPECTATOR was arrested after the referee of a midweek Scarborough League cup final ended up in hospital, writes ROBIN JONES.

Police were called to Pickering Town’s ground at 9pm on Wednesday after being told that referee Bill Pashby had been assaulted.

Shortly before midnight, a 23-yearold man was arrested at a property in Eastfield, near Scarborough, on suspicion of wounding with intent.

Mr Pashby, who is in his sixties, was said by a linesman to have been “shoulder charged” by a spectator who leapt over the railings around the pitch during the final stages of the Trophy Trader League Trophy final between Eastway Sports and Goal Sports.

The floored referee was stretchered off the pitch and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

At the time of the alleged assault, Eastway were losing 2-1 after being reduced to eight men. In an ill-tempered game, 10 yellow cards were also shown, and Eastway also had a goal disallowed

The match was abandoned with eight minutes left on the clock and Goal Sports were awarded the trophy.

Mr Pashby, a former player, said he had never experienced anything like it, and was now considering giving up refereeing.

Scarborough & District Saturday League chairman Alan Burnett said: “There’s no place for actions like this at any level of football, let alone grassroots leagues.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed: “The suspect has been released on bail pending further enquiries.”