A local football referee was cowardly struck by a player during a “social match,” resulting in convulsions and a brain hemorrhage.
Jason Fernie, 49, was assaulted in the back of the head by a player from the team known as “The Grubbies” on Monday when he was refereeing a Marooka Oztag match in Rocklea, in Brisbane’s south.
The blow kept the 22-year-old seasoned referee in the hospital for days, and he is still suffering from severe headaches.
Despite the fact that the game was a non-contact variation of rugby league, Mr. Fernie claimed the team was new to the tournament and was “overly rough” from the outset.
‘The game had some issues at the start with the side being overly aggressive and I thought I had sorted it out,’ he said.
‘I can’t remember anything after half time but I was told I had a seizure and they had to cut off my shirt.’
A Facebook page, Let’s Talk Tag, originally posted the story voicing their anger at the incident.
‘We all love playing sport but last night someone that is a ref and a true gentleman to the game of Oztag was hit while refereeing a social game, causing seizures and bleeding to the brain,’ the post read.
‘Everyone likes to blame the ref but do any that complain ever put their hands up to do some games. They already deal with their own demons and it is sad someone can be so selfish and inconsiderate in a situation like this. Our thoughts go out to you and your family champion.’
Shocked locals were appalled by the ugly incident.
‘Coward. Should be a minimum of two years jail even if the ref isn’t severely hurt…’ one person wrote.
‘This is disgusting. I hope the people are found and charged and don’t get the right to play tag again..’ said another.
Mr Fernie said since the incident he has received numerous calls including from legendary NRL referee Bill Harrigan assuring him the player will be banned from Queensland Oztag for life.
‘The player will be banned for life, Marooka Oztag has said that to me as has Queensland Oztag,’ he said.
‘I have been a ref since 2000 and I have never had anything of the sort happen to me and it is just so wrong.’
Jason add that while he cannot see himself refereeing a men’s Oztag game again, when he is cleared from doctors he may make a return officiated the mixed competition.
Police are still investigating the incident and the player has not been arrested.