Question Number: 15374

Character, Attitude and Control 5/3/2007

RE: maple league Under 17

jessica thompson of dorchester, mass united states asks...

This question is a follow up to question 15333

As far as just one game suspensions handed to the three players from one team that attacked the goalie (chokehold and punches and cleats to head and back), parents from the ejected player's team rushed the field, one parent choking the goalie's teamate. State Troopers had to be called and ejected player's team fled the field while goalie's team stayed. Goalie suffered concussion, broken wrist, swollen trachea and of course other bumps and bruises. Goalie given one game suspension as well for defensive fighting back.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Here are my thoughts on the subject. Granted they are not politically correct nor are they going to make anyone involved in the assaults happy campers and I don't particularly care who disagrees with me. For those who think this can be handled by the club; you are part of the problem.

All those involved should be banned from participation in any sport in this country for the rest of their lives. This includes offspring. Those who can be identified must suffer jail time. Any member of the team or the team's staff or parent who fails to identify those involved in the assault must suffer the same ban. It is unfortunate the referee allowed things to progress to the point they did.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Lots of bad stuff here. First, the referee should never have restarted the game while the sent off player was anywhere involved. Second, without being there I still have some thoughts. The parents should all do jail time. The players involved should be banned from soccer for life and if old enough should be doing at least community service. The whole incident is disgraceful and the proper place to settle this is in the courts.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I'm surprised my colleagues' answers are so calm. This type of behavior is inexcusable in a dark alley, and if caught they'd have the book thrown at them. When it happens on a sports field, we say, "Oh well, boys will be boys, here let me slap you on the wrist, and by the way that's a one game suspension." Makes no sense to me. Hopefully when the police complete their investigation there will be criminal prosecutions. And then just maybe the soccer league will reflect on what this behavior has done to the reputations of the players, club, league and to the sport in general. Long suspensions are in order - forever wouldn't be too short! There's one player I know of who attacked a referee. He served some jail time, probation after that. He has been permanently banned from playing soccer ever again, and if he should be so lucky to ever procreate, he will never be welcome at any games his offspring might be playing in. All because someone cannot control their temper while playing a game, for fun! Sheesh!