Ban over referee attack

The soccer player who allegedly punched a referee in the jaw, breaking it in three places, has been suspended from the game indefinitely and fined $1000.

Manukau City player Tama Fasavalu, 36, appeared in court last week charged with assaulting volunteer referee Len Gattsche after being sent off in a fiery Anzac Day clash against Tauranga City.

Mr Gattsche, who has at least 15 years' experience as a referee, spent three days in hospital and underwent surgery to repair his jaw.

Yesterday, after reviewing the reports from the day and hearing a submission from Fasavalu's legal advisers, an Auckland Football Federation judicial panel imposed an indefinite suspension from all involvement in the game.

The suspension can be lifted only by application to the board of New Zealand Football after a minimum of 12 months.

Fasavalu was also fined $1000.

The player and club have 14 days if they want to appeal against the findings.

As part of his bail conditions from Manukau District Court, Fasavalu has had to surrender his passport and reside at a Mangere address. He is due to reappear this month.