Assault was just 'a slap' says father

Tama Fasavalu. Photo / Facebook

The footballer accused of breaking a referee's jaw only "slapped" the official, his father says.

Tama Fasavalu was banned indefinitely from all football this week by Auckland Football and is facing an assault charge.

His father, who is suffering from throat cancer, said that Fasavalu was provoked and had hit referee Len Gattsche with an open hand.

"He didn't do anything wrong," said the father.

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.

Auckland Football Federation chief executive David Parker said the judicial process under Auckland Football and New Zealand Football regulations had been fully tested by the assault.

"What this type of incident shows is that we have the processes in place to respond in an appropriate and timely manner and at the same time have the ability to support our volunteers."

- Additional reporting: APNZ