Football match for VETERANS is abandoned after referee is attacked on pitch by ageing player

Published: 08:06 EDT, 29 October 2026 | Updated: 08:41 EDT, 29 October 2026 A football match for veterans was abandoned after a player attacked the referee. The match official was allegedly assaulted after showing a red card in the 77th minute of the game in Cwmbran, South Wales.Supporters saw the game descend into chaos between Cwmbran Celtic over-40s and Tiger Bay Veterans at the Motazone Arena.An investigation has now been launched by police after Sunday's alleged attack.Grian Chatten, frontman of rock band Fontaines DC, wore the semi-professional football club Cwmbran Celtic's shirt at Reading Festival this summer. Cwmbran Celtic say no players, supporters or officials from the team were involved in the incident that led to the game being called off while Tiger Bay Veterans led 4-3.An investigation has been launched by the South Wales Football Association (SWFA) and the Welsh Veterans FA.A spokesman for Cwmbran Celtic said: 'Cwmbran Celtic wishes to make it clear that the incident did not involve anybody associated with our football club, including our players, officials or spectators.The alleged attack happened at the Motazone Arena in Cwmbran, South Wales Grian Chatten, frontman of rock band Fontaines DC, wore the semi-professional football club Cwmbran Celtic's shirt at Reading Festival this summer'The club handled the situation with the utmost respect and in a manner consistent with the values and standards expected of a Cwmbran Celtic team.'The club does not condone violence or any behaviour that falls short of the standards expected within football.'We take this matter seriously and are cooperating fully with both the league and the Football Association of Wales as the investigation proceeds.'Out of respect for all those involved and while the investigation remains ongoing, the club will make no further comment until the process has been concluded.'We ask that everyone respects the process and refrains from speculation while the investigation is ongoing.'A statement from the SWFA said: 'The South Wales Football Association is aware of comments circulating on social media concerning an alleged assault on a match official and the subsequent abandonment of a football match.'The Association unequivocally condemns any form of abuse, threatening behaviour or violence towards match officials. Such conduct is unacceptable and has no place in football.'The SWFA is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. We are in direct contact with the match official concerned and are liaising with the relevant league as part of this process.'As the investigation is ongoing, the Association will not be making any further comment at this stage.'A Gwent Police spokesman said: 'We received a report of an assault at a football match at about 4.05pm on Monday, October 26.'The alleged assault happened the previous day, Sunday, October 25.'It comes after rugby fans called for a player to be banned from the sport for life for a deliberate act of violence during a semi-professional match in Wales.The incident occurred during a Super Rygbi Cymru match between Llandovery and Ebbw Vale last Thursday night.Ebbw Vale lock Curtis Gregory was handed a straight red card late in the first half after being caught deliberately stamping on an opposition player.During a ruck in the 35th minute, Gregory saw the leg of a Llandovery star and deliberately stomped his boot into the player's knee.The victim of the stamp appeared to come away unharmed and immediately got up to confront Gregory. A heated altercation followed before the Ebbw Vale player was given his marching orders.After spotting the incident, the referee said: 'We have a stamp by this player. I did ask the question if anything aggravated it.'My AR (assistant referee) didn't see anything. It's a stamp on the leg. Red card. Permanent.'Dyfed-Powys Police told Daily Mail Sport that the incident had not been reported to them and there was currently no investigation ongoing.Previously, a Fairwater RFC rugby player was given a 192-week ban for allegedly slapping cards from a referee's hands then verbally abusing him in January 2023. Louis Jones was banned by the Welsh Rugby Union under 'law 9.28 - abuse of match official', suspended for more than three and a half years due to this being his second similar offence.