A junior football tournament in Auckland allegedly ended in an assault. Photo / 123RF
A female football coach was allegedly knocked unconscious by an opposition fan while walking to the bathroom during a junior tournament in Auckland on Sunday.
Northern Region Football (NRF) chief executive Laura Menzies described it as “shocking” and completely out of place at what was meant to be a “fun girls’ tournament”.
The Ellerslie FC coach was reportedly attacked from behind by a man believed to be the parent of a Papakura City FC player, shortly after her under-10 girls’ team had beaten Papakura in a semifinal match. The alleged assault took place at Keith Hay Park and left the coach needing hospital treatment.
Eye witnesses say the man had been making threatening gestures, including throat-slitting motions, at Ellerslie spectators throughout the game. The attack allegedly occurred as the coach was on her way to the bathroom.
