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Search forRugby player's shame after attack on referee
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 07:00
Humberside Police are now investigating claims David Liddle was assaulted by player Steve Clavering, who "threw four of five punches" after being sent off.
The player was only stopped when other players managed to pull him away.
Shocked children and parents were said to have witnessed the violence and officers now want people to come forward with information.
Mr Liddle, 40, was officiating a Tom Beautiman Cup match between amateur sides Bransholme Dales and Reckitts at Ashwell School in Snowdon Way, Bransholme, at the time.
He had sent off Reckitts player Mr Clavering for a foul-mouthed rant at him.
It was then Mr Clavering "saw red" and went for the referee.
Mr Liddle said: "I think he should never be involved in sport again.
"Several kids were watching that match, including his own."
Mr Liddle is on daily tablets to thin his blood after recent blood clots.
He said: "It could have been very serious had I started to bleed.
"It would have been difficult to stop."
Today, Mr Clavering, 33, who disputes the referee's version of events, said: "Luckily I did not land any punches.
"What I did was appalling. It is shocking. I can't defend it. I deeply regret what I have done."
A spokesman for Humberside Police confirmed officers are investigating.
He said: "We received a call at 3.40pm on Saturday reporting an alleged assault at a rugby match played at Ashwell School in Snowdon Way, Bransholme.
"A 40-year-old referee was allegedly punched by one of the players following a verbal altercation."
Anyone who witnessed the alleged assault should call police on 0845 6060222.
Rugby league referee David Liddle
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