Newport football match halted as assault alleged

A football match in Shropshire had to be abandoned after a player allegedly lashed out at the referee, punching and kicking him.

Police are investigating an assault on the referee which took place during Saturday's County Premier League game between Newport Town and Dawley Villa.

It is alleged a Dawley Villa player kicked and punched the referee after a sending off.

The match, being played at Shuker Field in Newport, was abandoned after 20 minutes with the home side leading 1-0 and the police were called.

Shropshire FA spokesman Neil Sambrook said the governing body had moved swiftly to take action.

He said: "We have received the referee's report and the report of one of the assistants.

"We have raised charges against the player for assaulting the referee.

"As a result of that the player has been suspended with immediate effect and we will be instructing him to appear before a disciplinary commission of the Shropshire Football Association."

Police spokeswoman Rachel Anstee said officers were called to the incident at 2.30pm.

She said: "We had a call to say someone had been assaulted. The caller said they were punched and kicked and had blurred vision. We are investigating under section 47 assault."