Auckland U17 football game abandoned after grandmother punched in the mouth

A grandmother has been punched in the face during a “chaotic” sideline brawl at an Auckland teen soccer game.

The incident led to the game being cancelled and police called, 1 News has reported.

Charlotte Lee had taken her 75-year-old grandmother to the U17 Albany United versus Māngere United game in Long Bay in the city’s north last Sunday to watch her grandson.

Lee told 1 News the fight began after a foul tackle on the field and became “chaotic and aggressive”.

It escalated, with punches being thrown and Lee’s mother being struck in the mouth and suffering a split lip.

Lee said her mother was “really shaken up”, with the incident also triggering a pre-existing heart condition.

“She’s quite little, only five foot and a bit, your typical grey-haired lady,” Lee told 1 News.

“I couldn’t believe she ended up being the one that got hit.”

Upon learning his grandmother had been assaulted, Lee’s son, a player for Albany United, was reportedly “quite upset”.

The team’s coach subsequently refused to continue the match, which was officially stopped around the 70-minute mark.

Northern Region Football (NRF), the body that organises the competition, confirmed to the Herald a disciplinary investigation is under way.

It is also understood police were called to the game.

“NRF was shocked to get reports of a spectator assault,” NRF communications manager Richard Irvine said.

“Everyone should be safe at a community football match.”

He said the match was abandoned and the “incident now is under police and NRF Disciplinary Committee investigation”.

Lee told 1 News Kiwis love their sport but it shouldn’t become violent.

“If you can’t manage your emotions, do everyone a favour and don’t turn up.”

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