Referee 'battered and bruised' as violence flares at children's football match

Oliver Howard, aged 25, was left 'battered and bruised' following the trouble that erupted while he refereed a game featuring two under-14s teams in Halesowen.

A male spectator, aged 49, was also injured during the game between Halesowen Town Colts and Halesowen Harriers under-14s.

Tempers flared during the game with several people alleged to have been involved according to an onlooker.

Police have arrested a 52-year-old man in connection with the violence. He has been bailed pending further inquires.

Mr Howard, who has been a referee for around five years, said onlookers had come to his aid following the altercation on Sunday. The referee, from Halesowen, says he was unable to go into the details of the allegations due to the ongoing police probe.

But he said: "I'm ok following what happened. It was a horrible experience.

"My concern is always for the welfare of the young players in this instance."

The 11-a-side fixture was being played in Stourbridge and District Youth and Girls Football League.

League chairman Bob Hickman said he was shocked by the incident.

"I don't get it with some people who think they are at the World Cup rather than watching junior football," he said. "I have liaised with Mr Howard since it happened and my concern was for his welfare."

Mr Hickman said violence had flared in the past, prompting the league to introduce a respect programme.

This involved plain-clothed bystanders doing spot checks at games, working on education for young players, and ensure child welfare and enjoyment of playing was a priority. West Midlands Police spokesman Hannah Fitzgerald said: "A man has been arrested following an assault at a Halesowen amateur football match.

"Police were called to Newfield Park, Whittingham Road, at around 1.55pm following reports that a 49-year-old man had been assaulted. Officers arrested a 52-year-old man from an address in Halesowen at around 2.30pm. The man has been bailed pending further police enquiries."

Mr Howard said details of the incident were contained in his match report to be investigated by the Birmingham County FA, which oversees the league. Birmingham County FA refused to comment about the ongoing investigation at this stage.