A GNR source has confirmed that a 17 year old footballer who attacked a referee in a second-tier under-17 district game, in Loulé on Sunday, has been identified and charged.
The attack on referee Pedro Paulo, during the Campinense-Olhanense game, was denounced by the União de Núcleos do Algarve, which brings together three groups of referees federated in the Algarve Football Association (AFA).
After receiving an expulsion order, a Campinense footballer “acted in a cowardly manner against the referee, punching him twice in the abdominal area”, accused the union of groups in a statement.
After the “violent action”, the game was immediately interrupted and, the same note reads, “procedures were initiated to file a criminal complaint against the aggressor”.
A GNR source confirmed that, in the 55th minute of the game played on municipal field number 2 in Loulé, the match referee was attacked by a player. The 17 year old athlete was identified and accused, with the GNR preparing a report and informing the court.
The match was immediately interrupted and the referee, who did not require medical assistance, had his safety guaranteed by the GNR soldiers present at the scene and expressed the desire to go ahead with criminal proceedings.
The groups of football referees in the Algarve emphasize that this was “the third time in the 2023/24 season that referees have been attacked while carrying out their duties”, urging the competent authorities “to take firm and rapid measures to punish the aggressor in an exemplary manner”.
“It is essential that justice is done so that sport can be practiced and enjoyed in a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved. We believe that a quick and energetic response will send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated”, said the union of groups.
Source https://www.lusa.pt/ - Photo courtesy of Depositphotos.com
