Man accused of coward-punching ref charged

A man has been charged over an alleged coward punch that landed an Oztag referee in hospital earlier this week.

A man has been arrested and charged with assaulting an Oztag referee earlier this week.

Jason Fernie, 49, of Woodridge in Logan, had been refereeing a game of Oztag at a sporting ground on Tramore St, Rocklea, in Brisbane’s south on Monday night when police say he was punched from behind about 7.30, allegedly by a player dissatisfied with his calls.

The victim said he was left with a brain bleed and, despite being released from hospital, was still suffering side effects.

Mr Fernie told The Courier-Mail earlier this week that his head was continuing to throb days after the incident.

“The bleed has subsided but it is still there. I could be off for longer which isn’t good, I don’t have much sick leave left,” he said.

The Lifeline volunteer said before the attack, members of the team for which his attacker was playing had accused him of bias towards the opposition.

Jason Fernie sustained a serious head injury after he was allegedly coward-punched by a player while refereeing a game at Rocklea on Monday night. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“One guy said I was favouring the other side, which is the last thing I’d do,” he said.

“I said to their captain that I won’t tolerate it.

“Then when I was chatting to another player he whacked me from behind.”

Police revealed on Friday night that following significant inquiries, they had arrested and charged a 32-year-old male player from Redbank Plains in Ipswich in relation to the incident, alleging that he struck Mr Fernie on the face and head.

He was charged with one count of grievous bodily harm and denied bail.

The man will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Oztag Queensland regional manager Jye Watkins said the organisation condemned violence of any kind, particularly towards its referees.

Mr Watkins said the organisation was working with authorities and that if the case was proved, the alleged culprit’s punishment was expected to be handed down within days.

“The player will be dealt with accordingly. We have a process to go through correctly,” Mr Watkins said.

“We are very glad Jase is on the mend. It could have been a lot worse.”

Oztag referee Jason Fernie shows his injuries. Picture: Nine News

Mr Fernie said that while referees can make incorrect calls from time to time, physical assault was never acceptable.

“Yes, we get it wrong now and then, but to punch a ref, that’s just uncalled for.”

Mr Watkins said the organisation had spoken to Mr Fernie, who had their full support.

“We have spoken to him and we are doing everything in our power to support him and his family,” Mr Watkins said.