1.00pm
A father of an under-10 rugby league player punched the referee for making racial comments after the game, Papakura District Court was told today.
Abraham Masila, 38, admitted assaulting ref Neil Galvan after an under-10 rugby league game between Ellerslie and Papakura at Papakura south of Auckland last month.
After the
game was called off early a sideline brawl erupted between opposing supporters, leaving many of the players in tears.
Masila's lawyer Frank Godinet told Judge Mary Elizabeth Sharp that Galvan manhandled a player off the field, apparently for a dangerous tackle on his own son.
Mr Galvan also used obscene language when telling players to observe the 10m rule. He lost control of the game and called it off early.
After the game Mr Galvan approached Masila's group and made obscene gesture and racial comments, Mr Godinet said.
During today's hearing police withdraw a disorderly behaviour charge and Masila pleaded guilty to the assault charge, but Judge Sharp said a conviction would not yet be entered.
Police disputed some of the submissions from Mr Godinet and Judge Sharp said the disputed facts could have a significant impact on the outcome of the case.
She said police had to prove the facts and adjourned the case until November 5 for a disputed fact hearing when four prosecution witnesses and 10 defence witnesses will be called.
She refused a request from Mr Godinet for name suppression to continue.
- NZPA
