A referee in Franklin Township, N.J., has been charged with aggravated assault after an altercation during a youth flag football game Sunday that left a coach with visible injuries.
According to the local CBS affiliate, authorities said the incident happened around 1:30 p.m. at the Franklin Township Sports Complex, where an argument over a call escalated into physical violence.
"The referee strangled the coach to the point where he had visible injuries," Police Chief Matthew DeCesari said.
Police identified the referee as 47-year-old Edward McKinnie Jr. of Blackwood, N.J.
McKinnie reportedly began arguing with the coach of the Delsea Knights. When the arguing escalated, McKinnie grabbed the coach by the neck and pushed him approximately 10 to 15 yards.
The coach suffered injuries and was treated on site by paramedics. McKinnie was charged and released.
The Delsea Knights released a statement on the team's website: "
As this matter is currently the subject of both an organizational review and a law enforcement investigation, it would be inappropriate for us to comment on specific details, allegations, or individuals involved."
McKinnie's status as a referee remains unclear. He is due to appear in court next month.
