The alleged double assault took place during a Rugby 7s game at Southwell Park in Lyneham on Sunday. Photo: Tim Gavel.
Two referees were allegedly attacked by a father and son pair from Western Sydney during a Rugby 7s competition in Canberra on the weekend, including one who was hit from behind in a ‘coward’ punch.
The incident took place during the junior Rugby 7s tournament held at the Southwell Park playing fields in Lyneham around 3 pm on Sunday (21 September), an ACT Policing spokesperson said.
It is alleged an 18-year-old man and his 42-year-old father, both from Fairfield in NSW, entered the playing fields before the son assaulted one referee.
When a second referee tried to help the first, the father allegedly ‘coward’ punched the second from behind.
This referee was allegedly knocked unconscious and taken to hospital.
Police arrived and spoke to witnesses, who directed them towards the 18-year-old. He was arrested while he allegedly tried to leave the scene.
The father was arrested late on Sunday night when he went to the City Police Station.
Both men were charged with assault and are scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates Court in November.
Rugby 7s is played in two seven-minute halves with seven players in each team.
The police spokesperson said anyone who has video footage of the incident in Lyneham (who has not already spoken to police) is asked to contact Crime Stoppers, quoting reference 8167629.
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