A Christchurch police officer has today denied assaulting an assistant football referee.
Senior constable Keith Rose, 59, is alleged to have assaulted an assistant referee following a premier league match between Western and Cashmere Technical.
He was off-duty at the time.
It was reported that some Western supporters were upset by some controversial decisions during their team's 4-1 loss at ASB Park on June 29.
Rose has indicated he will plead not guilty to one charge of assault and has elected a judge-alone trial.
He will next appear at Christchurch District Court on November 19.
Rose is on restricted duties at Christchurch Police, and an internal investigation is underway.