UT Ref Critically Injured After Player Attacks

A Utah soccer player lost his cool over the weekend, attacking the referee after a call against him. ?Now, the ref is in the hospital and the player faces felony charges.

FOX News Radio’s Chris Hoenig has details:

It started with a foul called during a youth soccer game in the Salt Lake City suburb of Taylorsville, one the penalized player didn’t agree with.

(Lt. Hoyal) “And turns and immediately strikes the referee in the face.”

Causing what Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal says are serious head injuries, leaving the 46-year-old ref in critical condition.

(Lt. Hoyal) “It’s a game, it’s not worth inflicting injury on somebody over a game.”

The 17-year-old charged with aggravated assault, booked into a juvenile detention center.

(Hiatt) “That’s everything that’s wrong with youth sports, and with being a poor sport.”

Utah Youth Soccer Association CEO Andrew Hiatt says the game was not sanctioned by the association, which preaches sportsmanship.

(Hiatt) “You live to play another day. ?Calls in life aren’t always going to go for you.”

Chris Hoenig, FOX News Radio.