A high school referee in Ohio was badly injured when he was run into by a soccer player after the player had been issued a red card.
The incident occurred during a Tuesday night match between New Philadelphia and Steubenville, TMZ reported.
A player from Steubenville was given a red card after he approached the ref and appeared to say something. The ref chased the player and issued the red card, which appeared to upset another Steubenville player. That player charged over and slammed into the referee, knocking him to the ground before attempting to run away.
The official had to be taken to a hospital, where he was treated for a broken rib and a collapsed lung. but he is reportedly "doing much better," according to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
In a statement, the OHSAA said the student involved in the incident will face consequences:
"The OHSAA is aware of the incident and has been in communication with the school," Stried said in the statement. "The OHSAA is waiting for a response from the school as to the discipline that the school will take against the student-athlete, which will determine if the OHSAA will issue additional penalties. The school has indicated that punishment will be significant, which the OHSAA agrees with. Physical violence against an official is among the most serious offenses that a coach, player or fan can commit and the OHSAA will pursue this to the fullest extent."
