A football match in the Bankstown Premier League between the Greenacre Eagles and the Padstow Hornets was marred by violence when a disqualified player assaulted a match official, resulting in a fractured jaw.

Ray Hadley was sent the footage overnight which has since been shared with the police. He joined Michael McLaren to discuss the shocking incident this morning.

“He’s pummeled, he’s kicked, he’s punched, while people form around the bloke trying to drag the bloke away from the linesman who then is escorted away.”

“This is not the first time the Greenacre Eagles have been involved in such a melee and it’s not the first time this bloke has been involved.”

DISTURBING FOOTAGE WARNING:

See the statement from the Bankstown District Amateur Football Association below:

Bankstown Football is aware of an incident resulting in the serious assault of a referee at one of its  matches at Padstow Park on Friday, 28 April.

It has been alleged that the perpetrator of the assault is a suspended player. Both teams came to the aid of the referee on the night.

As it is now a Police matter, Bankstown Football is unable to comment any further on this incident  until the Police investigation is completed.

Bankstown Football is fully co-operating with the Police on this matter.

Bankstown Football has also commenced its own investigation into this matter and will follow its  Judiciary Regulations and processes.

Following the incident, the Greenacre Eagles FC have requested to officially withdraw their Men’s  Premier League team from the 2023 competition effective immediately.

Bankstown Football adopts a zero-tolerance policy to any form of violence at sanctioned events.

Bankstown Football is committed to promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for all engaging  with football, where the rights, dignity, and worth of every person are properly respected.

Football NSW is aware of the incident and is supporting BDAFA with its ongoing investigation.

See the statement from Bankstown Police below:
Officers from Bankstown Police Area Command are investigating after the alleged assault of a referee in Sydney’s southwest yesterday.

Just before 10.30pm (Friday 28 April 2023), two groups were playing a soccer match at Davies Road Padstow when a referee was allegedly punched in the face after a verbal altercation with a spectator.

The injured man was taken to Liverpool Hospital suffering an injury to his jaw.

As police continue to investigate the incident any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.