OHSAA seeks ‘significant’ punishment for hit on soccer official
STEUBENVILLE – A video circulating online from last night’s New Philadelphia-Steubenville boys soccer game appears to show a Steubenville player tackling an official.
In the video, it appears the official is running down the field to give a different player a yellow card. The other player sprints toward the official from about 12 yards away and puts his shoulder into the official’s midsection, knocking him to the turf. The official appears to be in pain.
OHSAA Director of Communications Tim Stried says the OHSAA is waiting for the school’s response to determine any additional penalties.
“The OHSAA is aware of the incident and has been in communication with the school. The OHSAA is waiting for a response from the school as to the discipline that the school will take against the student-athlete, which will determine if the OHSAA will issue additional penalties. The school has indicated that punishment will be significant, which the OHSAA agrees with. Physical violence against an official is among the most serious offenses that a coach, player or fan can commit and the OHSAA will pursue this to the fullest extent.”
New Philadelphia won the game 2-1.