Game abandoned after footballer 'cowardly' punched in Whangārei

Police speak to witnesses at Tikipunga Sports Park after a player was allegedly assaulted. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A football match in Whangārei had to be abandoned in the last quarter after a player on the sideline was 'blindsided' with a punch that broke his jaw.

Northern Wairoa player Santiago Cobus, of Uruguay, had his jaw broken in at least three places after he was allegedly punched by a Tikipunga player while sitting on the substitutes' bench.

The one-punch incident was alleged to have happened in the 76th minute of the division one match between Northern Wairoa and Tikipunga at Tikipunga Sports Park on Saturday afternoon.

The visiting team has filed a conduct report with the Northland Football Federation.

Chris Mason, committee member of Northern Wairoa Football Club, said everyone was at a loss as to why a Tikipunga player would punch Cobus.

"That [alleged] conduct was cowardly and despicable. It doesn't get any more serious without someone dying. It was [allegedly] a blind shot attack."

Mason said the injured player would not be the same again and doubted he would ever play in future.

"Players of our team on the field said they heard his jaw crack. I've seen the medical report and his jaw is broken in four places or three at the very least."

The injured player was taken to Whangārei Hospital in an ambulance while police spoke to witnesses at the venue.

Tikipunga Football Club executives met at noon yesterday to discuss the issue before releasing a short statement.

"Tikipunga AFC takes all accusations of unsportsmanlike behaviour by their players very seriously. As such, we are investigating in conjunction with Northern Football Federation
and will be taking appropriate action," club secretary Mel Worth said.

Whangārei police couldn't confirm whether any charges have been laid.