League ref still awaiting justice three months after throat injury

A rugby league referee, hospitalised after allegedly being kicked in the neck while officiating at a Rugby League Brisbane footy game in April, is still waiting for justice.

Referee Brian Roper suffered throat injuries while refereeing a rugby league game.

A rugby league referee hospitalised after allegedly being kicked in the neck while officiating at a Rugby League Brisbane footy game in April is still waiting for justice.

Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association member Brian Roper received throat injuries in a seniors match at Acacia Ridge between Dayboro and Souths Inala Warriors on April 1.

Mr Roper, a referee for more than 19 years, suffered cuts and bruises to his larynx which swelled up and made it difficult to breathe.

He was admitted to Logan Hospital where he underwent a CT brain scan and was kept for two nights.

The 54-year-old had called a penalty against Souths Inala with 50 seconds in the game to go when he felt the impact on his neck.

Mr Roper alleged a player kicked him in the throat after the penalty decision.

Police said there was an active investigation under way but no charges had been laid.

Queensland Rugby League would not take phone calls but said no individual player has been penalised.

Referee Brian Roper is helped off the field after receiving the throat injury in April. Picture: supplied

The QRL has organised a meeting for Thursday night (July 5) between Rugby League Brisbane and representatives of Souths Inala.

Mr Roper gave a statement to the police on April 3, hours after he was discharged from Logan Hospital.

A junior touch judge, a teen working at the same event, was also believed to have made a statement to police about the incident.

The Saturday afternoon match was abandoned before the full-time siren when Mr Roper dropped to his knees after copping the alleged kick to the throat.

Video footage of the game, which is mandatory under Rugby League Brisbane protocol, was unavailable.

Days after the incident, Brisbane Rugby League Referees Association president Alan Reese confirmed a police investigation was under way.

He confirmed the matter was being dealt with before a QRL and Rugby League Brisbane judiciary.

Police said an investigation began in April. They confirmed on Tuesday that nobody had been charged and no action had been taken against any player.

Souths Inala Southside Division 1 Open Men’s Team was no longer in this season’s competition.