Referee Assaulted In Flushing Meadow Park During Soccer Game

Queens

By Geoffrey Croft

A New Jersey man was arrested after he hit a referee in the face with a beer can during a soccer game, NYC Park Advocates has learned. 

The man became irate at a call and began yelling and cursing him out. 

He threw a beer can at the 20-year-old who was officiating the game which struck him in the face.  The victim suffered a laceration to his nose and cheek.

The incident occurred in Flushing Meadow-Corona Park on Sunday on Field # 3, near the park’s Pitch & Putt and Fountain of the Planets at 3:45pm.

A park patron flagged down a PEP park police officer on a foot post who was told that a referee was getting beat up.

“He was bleeding profusely,” said an officer at the scene. 

EMS responded but the victim refused medical treatment.

The crowed pointed out the assailant. 

Police arrested Recardo Cruz, 41, from North 7th Street in Newark, N.J.  

He was charged with Assault and Harassment. 

Cruz was released on his own recognizance and his next court date is October 26th.  

If convicted he faces up to a year in jail. 

A temporary Order of Protection was granted the victim according to the Queens District Attorney’s office

A law enforcement source said that it is not uncommon for referees to hire private security for themselves for protection while working the soccer games in the park.