Young official knocked out at Ramsgate football match
A YOUNG football official was laid out with a knock-out punch at a showcase football match in Ramsgate on Sunday.
Officiating at one of his first games, it is believed Will Sanderson was asking spectators not to smoke or shout abuse at players during the clash between Albion Athletic and Birchington United Services Club.
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Fourth official Will Sanderson is wheeled to an ambulance at the Andy Sanson Memorial Cup. Albion Athletic v Birchington USC, St Lukes Playing Field in Hereson Road Ramsgate
Witnesses say during an argument with a spectator the 16-year-old was punched to the ground and kicked in the head. The match at St Luke's playing fields on Hereson Road had to be abandoned.
Police and an ambulance were called to the scene at 11.30 am and Mr Sanderson was taken to Thanet hospital, before being release with severe bruising to his neck.
Thanet Sunday Football League referee secretary Tim Amons said: "Will was a newly qualified referee and this was one of his first matches officiating.
"This is certainly not in the spirit of the game and we hope it will not put him off football in the future."
The match was supposed to be a showcase season opener between two teams many believe are the best on the isle.
The Andrew Samson Memorial Match is in memory of a player who died in road accident. It was kicked off by Mayor of Ramsgate Kay Dark before being abandoned by referee Colin Ansell halfway through the second half.
A Thanet Sunday Football League spokesman said: "It is disgusting behaviour which we do not condone and will investigate once it has been dealt with by the police and the Kent FA.
"It is even sadder considering players of both teams had behaved impeccably during the game and it had been a very good match.
"We back referees 100 per cent, and support the FA's Respect campaign which is to try to stamp out this sort of dreadful behaviour towards referees and their assistants."
Kent County Football Association say it has not received the referee's report, but will investigate the matter further when they do.
Police have confirmed that a 25-year-old man from Broadstairs was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actually bodily harm on yesterday morning. He turned himself in at Margate police station yesterday.
Comments
by Mike, North West
Tuesday, September 02 2008, 9:36AM
“This story is an absolute disgrace to footballand is just an example of what Referees have to go through, for what is considered a hobby.
It is bad enough that it happened to a Mature Referee, who may have been able to assess the situation & possibly protect themselves. But to 'ATTACK' a Child (16yr old) makes the incident far more serious in my mind. The attacker should also be charged with CHILD PROTECTION offences too - as this young official is still deemed a minor in the eyes of the Law - being under 18yrs old.
Not only should he be banned for life, for his unprovoked attack, he should receive a prison sentence for the assault too.
People like this individual should be made an example of by the Courts. If it had been in a pub/club situation then the incident would be yet another statistic for 'YOBBISH SOCIETY'. However, in what has been termed as a SHOW PIECE SEASON OPENER, in a sporting event - shows that football has a problem to deal with far worse than they realise. Especially as this season the 'RESPECT CAMPAIGN', is meant to help change attitudes within football & prevent these incidents.
Football authorities & the Legal system should look at these types of incidents, which are not as rare as people think - and throw the book at the offenders.
It was nothing but a cowardly attack on a youngster, trying to make a hobby more enjoyable for himself. I can definately say it wasn't for the money, but the love of the game.”