High school soccer referee in Ohio treated for collapsed lung, broken ribs after player’s charge
The official was hospitalized after a Steubenville player knocked him to the ground during a playoff game
A boys’ soccer playoff game in Ohio took a frightening turn when a Steubenville player charged into a referee and knocked him to the ground. The incident happened Oct. 27 during a Division III district semifinal against New Philadelphia. Video appears to show the official issuing a card to one Steubenville player before another player runs at him and makes contact. The player who hit the referee was ejected from the match.
The official was taken to the hospital and treated for broken ribs and a collapsed lung, TMZ reported. An Ohio High School Athletic Association spokesperson said the referee was “doing better.” New Philadelphia won the game 2-1.
OHSAA says violence against officials is among the most serious offenses
The OHSAA said it was communicating with Steubenville officials and called physical violence against a game official one of the most serious offenses a player, coach or fan can commit. The association said the school had indicated that its punishment would be significant and that the OHSAA would consider whether to impose additional penalties.
Steubenville City Schools later confirmed that it had imposed disciplinary action after reviewing the incident with the OHSAA. The district declined to share the specific measures, citing student privacy laws. The association has not publicly detailed whether it will add a separate penalty.
The hit overshadowed the result of the district semifinal and put the focus on the referee’s recovery and the consequences for the player. For now, the school’s discipline is confirmed, but the details remain private.
