Scott Fritsch, who has deep roots in Minnesota’s local soccer scene, allegedly punched a referee in the face during a Division 3 soccer game Saturday. He is the father of Melbourne AFL star Bayley Fritsch as well. The incident took place at approximately 4:45 PM at a sporting ground on Willow Road, where Fritsch was watching his son Darcy play for Coldstream against Upper Ferntree Gully in the Eastern Football League.
Scott Fritsch, who boasts an impressive 360-game history with Coldstream, reportedly sustained minor injuries during the scuffle involving several spectators. Following the attack, he was treated at the scene by paramedics. His initial inclination was to go to the emergency room to get checked out.
Among wide receiver Darcy Fritsch, who plays for Coldstream, scoring one of his team’s five touchdowns to advance to their eighth victory in the last nine games. According to witness testimonies, Scott was responding to seeing his father attempt to deescalate the developing situation. Without a moment’s pause, he leaped the fence from the sports field. It remains unknown whether Scott Fritsch was actively participating in the attack. On the other hand, he might have just been responding to fear for his father’s situation.
In a statement made after the attack, the Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) welcomed the incident.
“The Eastern Football Netball League (EFNL) is aware of an off-field incident that occurred during the senior match between Upper Ferntree Gully Football Club and the Coldstream Football Club on Saturday, 31st May,” – EFNL
Authorities responded promptly, with Ambulance Victoria confirming that they received calls regarding the incident around 5:00 PM the same day.
“Ambulance Victoria responded to calls to an incident in Upper Ferntree Gully at around 5:00 PM,” – Ambulance Victoria
Authorities in Great Yarmouth have provided confirmation that a man was arrested after Sunday’s attack at a local football game. Specifically, the investigators stated that the onlookers participated in a fight at the athletic field.
“Investigators were told that spectators were involved in a scuffle at a sporting ground on Willow Road about 4:45 PM,” – Police
With investigations still ongoing, the EFNL have made clear their dedication to safe, fair and integrity-filled competitions.
“As both investigations are ongoing, we are unable to provide further comment at this stage. The EFNL remains committed to the safety and integrity of our competitions and will provide an update when more information is available,” – EFNL
