Probe as football referee ‘hit by member of coaching staff ’

THE South Wales Football Association has launched an investigation over claims that a referee was hit by a coaching staff member during a women’s game.

Sunday’s South Wales Women’s and Girls League match between Tredegar Town Women and Afan Lido Ladies & Girls FC was abandoned just before half-time following the alleged incident.

“The @SouthWalesFA has been made aware of an alleged assault on a match referee today,” the association said in a statement posted on Twitter.

“In accordance with FAW regulations, the alleged perpetrator has been suspended from all aspects of football pending a full hearing.”

Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said 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.”

An Afan Lido Ladies & Girls FC representative said the club was working with the SWFA’s investigation.

“We have no statement to make other than we are following the disciplinary procedures of the South Wales Football Association in respect of this matter,” a club spokesman told the PA news agency.

In a statement on social media, Afan Lido FC, which represents the men’s team, said they had “no relationship at all” with Afan Lido Ladies & Girls FC.

The JD Cymru South club added: “Afan Lido FC condemns any physical or verbal violence and disrespect towards the officials of the game.

“I would like to wish a speedy recovery for the official who was part of the incident today.”