Grandmother Assaulted at Youth Football Match
Game Abandoned After Sideline Violence Erupts
A heated under-17 football match on Auckland’s North Shore took a violent turn last weekend when a 75-year-old spectator was struck in the face, leading to the game’s premature end and police involvement.
Altercation Mars Youth Sporting Event
The incident occurred during a game between Albany United and Māngere United at Long Bay. The dispute, reportedly ignited by a foul tackle on the field, escalated to physical confrontation, resulting in the grandmother, identified as the mother of a player’s parent, sustaining a split lip.
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Charlotte Lee, daughter of the assaulted woman, described the scene as “chaotic and aggressive.” She expressed her shock that her mother, a “typical grey-haired lady” standing just over five feet tall, was the one to be hit.
“She’s quite little, only five foot and a bit, your typical grey-haired lady. I couldn’t believe she ended up being the one that got hit and her lip split.”
—Charlotte Lee, Witness
The victim was reportedly left “really shaken up” and experienced a racing heart due to her atrial fibrillation, a pre-existing heart condition. Her grandson was also deeply affected, telling his grandmother he would understand if she no longer wished to attend his games.
Match Called Off Amidst Sideline Chaos
The coach for Albany United decided not to continue the match after learning of the spectator’s injury. Northern Region Football, the organizing body for the Auckland under-17 Championship, confirmed the game was halted around the 70-minute mark and that a disciplinary investigation is underway.
While police attended the scene and took statements, no immediate developments in their investigation have been confirmed. This incident highlights a concerning trend in youth sports, where sideline behaviour can negatively impact young athletes’ experiences.
Research indicates that parental behaviour at children’s sporting events can significantly influence a child’s enjoyment and psychological development. A 2023 study by the Victorian Institute of Sport found that overly critical or aggressive sideline coaching can increase anxiety and decrease enjoyment in young athletes (Victorian Institute of Sport).
A Plea for Respect
Charlotte Lee urged parents and supporters to maintain composure during youth games. She stated: “These are children learning how to play a sport. Their behaviour on the sideline impacts their child’s psychology. If you can’t manage your emotions, do everyone a favour and don’t turn up.”
Reflecting on the broader issue of aggression at children’s events, Lee added, “We’re in New Zealand, right? We pride ourselves on being sporty, not violent. But violence seems to be taking precedence, and I think that’s quite embarrassing as a nation.”
