High school soccer players handed 1-year ban for shoving ref

Two Massachusetts high school soccer players have been hit with a one-year suspension after shoving a referee last week at the conclusion of their match.

Martha’s Vineyard and Norwell high schools were facing off in a first-round playoff match. With less than 30 second left in regulation, and the score tied at zero, the head official called a hand ball inside the box, awarding Norwell a penalty kick. The kick was converted, and Norwell escaped with a 1-0 victory.

After the match, two Martha’s Vineyard players ran down the referee who called the hand ball. One player shoved the official in the back, while the second player chest-bumped the referee. The first player then shoved the referee again before teammates and coaches intervened. The referee never acknowledged the players and continued walking away during the incident. You can see it all on video.

According to WHDH Boston, Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) representatives met with both schools’ athletic directors Tuesday. The organization informed them that league rules mandate a one-year suspension for anyone who assaults an official. According to the MIAA rulebook, the ban applies to participation in all sports.

WHDH reports that the league is considering additional disciplinary action.

Read more about the incident from the Boston Herald.