18-year-old referee Fahd Abbou El Mourabit was punched and knocked unconscious while refereeing a match in Zaragoza, Spain. According to Australian television network SBS, the match was between Miralbueno and San Juan in the regional first division.
After awarding a second penalty against Miralbueno in the game’s opening 28 minutes, El Mourabit was brutally attacked by a player and punched multiple times.
He was subsequently taken to the hospital after helping police identify the attacker.
“I did not expect anything,” said El Mourabit to Spanish radio station Cadena SER. “Even after I hit the ground, the punches kept coming until teammates intervened. Clearly I’m going to report this incident but I want to make clear that this will not kill my passion for refereeing and football.”
According to a statement posted on Miralbueno’s Facebook page, the aggressor has been released from the club and could face legal action.
