Parents brutally beat referee after calling foul in youth soccer match in Arequipa

A youth soccer match in Arequipa, Peru, devolved into violence when parents brutally assaulted the referee after he called a foul late in the game. The referee, identified by the initials C. R. C. M., a 44-year-old sports psychologist, sustained severe injuries to his face and head.

The incident occurred during the final minutes of a U-9 tournament match between Club Esther Grande de Bentín (EGB) and Las Peñas de Abancay. With Abancay leading 2-1, the referee called a foul against the EGB team, which triggered a barrage of insults and a physical attack from parents in the stands.

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In front of the children, when I was already on the ground, I lost consciousness about three times. I tried to get up, but I couldn't.

According to the referee's account to La República, several parents rushed onto the field, first verbally abusing him before one began punching and kicking him. Approximately six individuals surrounded him, continuing the assault while he was on the ground, causing him to lose consciousness multiple times. A parent recorded the violent incident.

The referee suffered a swollen left eye, a deviated septum, a patched lip, and head wounds. He also has bruises on his ribs and back, making it difficult to walk. He reported that no one apologized after the attack. He has filed a police report, stating his intention is not to seek money or revenge, but to highlight the pervasive issue of violence against referees, which often escalates from psychological abuse to physical aggression. "With my case, I want this to be known," he stated.

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Many referees are discriminated against. Mostly it is psychological violence: shouts and insults. But when it escalates to physical aggression, it is more worrying. With my case, I want this to be known.