Violence mars Under 10s clash
August 19, 2002

In the latest of a disturbing trend of rugby related violence, an Under 10s game in New Zealand was marred by an attack on a referee.

The incident took place during a rugby league clash in Auckland when the referee ended the game due to excessive violent conduct by the players.

The referee, Neil Galvin, was punched and kicked to the ground by a group of Ellerslie supporters, whose side were winning the game at the time.

A man has been charged with assault and faces a ban from attending matches following the incident at suburban Papakura on Saturday in which Galvin suffered bruises and abrasions to his face and a large footmark on his chest.

Galvin said he was more upset for his son and other children who saw the attack.

"When I walked into the clubrooms they were all crying," said Galvin. "My son doesn't cry much, but he really broke down. I've never seen him that upset.

"The kids felt guilty because they thought it all started because they weren't good enough. I apologized to them all for what happened and I tried to explain."

A 38-year-old man will appear in Papakura District Court on Monday. Charges against other spectators are expected.

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