WATCH the shocking moment a Scots Sunday league referee is punched by an enraged player after he called the match off.
The game between Inverkeithing Hibs and Tappies AFC on Sunday was called off by the official after Inverkeithing managed to score themselves three red cards.
The ref duly ended the match and awarded a 3-0 win to home side Tappies – but one Inverkeithing player didn’t agree, taking his chance to sucker punch the referee whilst his back was turned.
Footage of the incident was recorded by a spectator on the sidelines shows the scenes after the final whistle is blown, with some players shaking hands whilst others head off the pitch.
One Inverkeithing player, however, can be seen taking a swing at the back of the ref’s head as he makes his exit from the pitch alongside Tappies players.
Turning in shock, the referee says something inaudible to the player in green as Tappies players clad in red come to his defence.
Before anymore can be done though, the enraged Inverkeithing player takes another swing at the ref before shoving him and seemingly attempting to headbutt the official before storming off in a tantrum.
The man recording the video can be heard exclaiming: “That boy’s just punched the ref there.
“Aye that’s him binned now.”
Taking to social media later the same day, Inverkeithing Hibs apologised for their player’s behaviour.
The club’s statement reads: “Today’s game got called early due to the referee abandoning the match and rewarding Tappies the 3-0 win.
“The club would like to say that we do not condone the incidents that happened on the pitch and there will be repercussions.”
The video of the assault was shared to social media on Monday with the caption: “Ref gets hit by someone who can’t control his emotions in a Sunday league game.
“Honestly what is wrong with these people?”
The clip has since received over 170 likes and dozens of comments from users left appalled at the player’s behaviour.
One user said: “Refs should boycott Sunday league adult’s football. Pointless on all counts, overweight men who think they can play football, prefer to show how hard they are than have a game of football.”
Another added: “Should be a lifetime ban but we all know that he will be back playing within 12 months.”
A third wrote: “Needs to be a lifetime ban from football and an assault charge via the legal system.”
Another replied: “Referee or not, if anybody laid their hands on me, I wouldn’t think twice at giving them a jab to the jaw.”
