Kurri Kurri soccer match alleged assault, teen player charged

A teenage soccer player had his jaw broken in an alleged brutal assault at a junior match in the Hunter.

A teen was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken jaw after an alleged assault at a soccer match in the Hunter Region.

Police allege the 16-year-old boy was punched in the face at the end of a soccer game at Birralee Oval in Kurri Kurri, just after 8pm on May 12.

The boy was taken to Kurri Kurri Hospital and was later transferred to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent surgery for a broken jaw.

Police were advised of the incident the following day, arresting a 16-year-old boy after he attended Cessnock Police Station on Monday.

He was charged with recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm and was granted bail to face a children’s court next month.

Birralee Park, Kurri Kurri. Picture: Google Maps

The alleged assault took place just days after a letter to club secretaries and parents on behalf of Hunter Valley Football, Macquarie Football and Newcastle football over concerns about player and spectator behaviour.

“We write today with a highlight on the conduct of players and spectators of the Interdistrict, Zone Football League Competitions and MiniRoos Leagues across the Hunter, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Newcastle regions,” the letter dated May 7 read.

“ … It is already disappointing to report the following behaviour and attitude by players and spectators across the matches played to date.”

The Joint Board of Directors said there had been 64 red cards and about 250 yellow cards handed out at games across the region in just three matches.

“Offences for red cards range from – violent conduct (both teams all in melee, player king-hit), foul and abusive language (to referee, other players and team officials,” the letter read.

“Code of conduct – alleged spitting at a referee, racial taunts and comments to an opposition player, unacceptable comments to a club on social media.

“Poor conduct by MiniRoos players toward their opposition; language most unbecoming of children has been reported across numerous age groups.

“Match officials are entitled to more respect, players don’t enjoy being berated by opposition players/spectators.”