
A grandmother has been punched in the face during a âchaoticâ sideline brawl at an Auckland teen soccer game.
The incident led to the game being cancelled and police called, 1 News has reported.
Charlotte Lee had taken her 75-year-old grandmother to the U17 Albany United versus MÄngere United game in Long Bay in the cityâs north last Sunday to watch her grandson.
Lee told 1 News the fight began after a foul tackle on the field and became âchaotic and aggressiveâ.
It escalated, with punches being thrown and Leeâs mother being struck in the mouth and suffering a split lip.
Lee said her mother was âreally shaken upâ, with the incident also triggering a pre-existing heart condition.
âSheâs quite little, only five foot and a bit, your typical grey-haired lady,â Lee told 1 News.
âI couldnât believe she ended up being the one that got hit.â
Upon learning his grandmother had been assaulted, Leeâs son, a player for Albany United, was reportedly âquite upsetâ.
The teamâs coach subsequently refused to continue the match, which was officially stopped around the 70-minute mark.
Northern Region Football (NRF), the body that organises the competition, confirmed to the Herald a disciplinary investigation is under way.
It is also understood police were called to the game.
âNRF was shocked to get reports of a spectator assault,â NRF communications manager Richard Irvine said.
âEveryone should be safe at a community football match.â
He said the match was abandoned and the âincident now is under police and NRF Disciplinary Committee investigationâ.
Lee told 1 News Kiwis love their sport but it shouldnât become violent.
âIf you canât manage your emotions, do everyone a favour and donât turn up.â
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