Else Beekman
A youth football match in Aranda de Duero (Burgos) took a disturbing turn this Sunday when a referee was violently attacked by the father of a player. The incident unfolded at the Juan Carlos Higuero Sports Complex, has reignited concerns about aggression in grassroots football.
The match, part of the first provincial cadet category, saw Aranda Riber face off against Capiscol. Tensions ran high during the competitive youth football match. However, few could have anticipated the shocking events that followed the final whistle around 12.30 pm.
Eyewitnesses report that the 51-year old father of one of the visiting team’s players entered the 59-year old referees’ dressing room and physically assaulted the official. The force of the attack caused the referee to fall and hit his head, leaving him unconscious for several minutes.
Emergency response and hospitalisation
Medics rushed to the scene, and the injured referee was initially taken to Hospital Santos Reyes in Aranda de Duero. However, due to the severity of his condition, he was later transferred to the Hospital Universitario de Burgos, where he remains under observation in intensive care. The referee is expected to undergo surgery due to his injuries, including fractures in his skull.
Meanwhile, the alleged aggressor was arrested by the National Police in Aranda de Duero and is currently under investigation.
Reactions of condemnation in Aranda de Duero
At the school, where the victim works as a caretaker, the entire educational community gathered on Monday afternoon to show their rejection of any act of violence and to convey their support to the referee.
The almost 450 students of the centre were carrying signs of encouragement and condemnation. Herewith, they wanted to convey their support to one of the most beloved members of the community.
Meanwhile, the Castilla y León Football Federation has reported that the assault has already been passed on to the Provincial Competition Committee. This will study the event at its Tuesday meeting and is likely to agree to open a file.
Rising concerns over violence in youth sports
This incident adds to a worrying trend of violence against referees and officials in Spanish grassroots football. While passionate support is a cornerstone of the sport, physical aggression has no place on or off the pitch.