Two men, a father and his son, have been charged with assault following an incident during a junior rugby sevens grand final in Canberra on Sunday. The alleged attack left a referee unconscious and hospitalised.
Police allege that after an under-14s game at Southwell Park in Lyneham, an 18-year-old man from Fairfield, New South Wales, entered the field and assaulted one referee. His 42-year-old father then allegedly punched a second referee from behind, knocking him unconscious as he was assisting the first official.
Witnesses directed police to the younger man, who attempted to leave before being arrested. The father was arrested later that night. Both were charged with assault and granted bail, with a court appearance scheduled for November.
Uni-North Rugby Union Club, the host club, condemned the incident and said they were cooperating with authorities. Rugby Australia also issued a statement, vowing to investigate fully and take the strongest possible action, while condemning violence against match officials.
ACT Policing is appealing for any witnesses with photos or footage to come forward.
