New Zealand footie breaks referee's jaw

Wellington, Apr 26 (ANI): A football referee had his jaw broken after being punched by a player who was sent off during a match in Auckland.

Police and the Auckland Football Federation are investigating the incident, which happened at Massey Park in Mangere in the 79th minute of Manukau City's division two match against Tauranga City on Wednesday.

A Manukau City player allegedly punched the referee, and the game was abandoned as the Northern Region Football League referee was helped to the sideline to wait for an ambulance, stuff.co.nz reports.

The player has been suspended and will be given a hearing once the two investigations are completed.

Tauranga City were leading 2-1 when the player was sent off.

Tauranga manager Kelvin MacDonald said he had "never seen anything like this in 30 years that I've been playing."

"'The player took exception to being sent off, punched the referee and broke his jaw. It was his second yellow card. He didn't want to leave and attacked the referee," he said.

Auckland Football Federation chief executive David Parker said the incident was extremely regrettable, stuff.co.nz reports.

A player could be suspended indefinitely, for a fixed term or be fined. A player's team and club could also be penalised. (ANI)