A Detroit-area soccer player is facing a felony assault charge for allegedly punching a referee during an adult-league match, critically injuring him.
According to the Associated Press, Baseel Abdul-Amir Saad was arraigned Monday in Livonia District Court a charge of assault with intent to do great bodily harm. Bond was set at $500,000, and a probable-cause hearing was set for July 10.
Saad punched the unnamed referee in the head after the referee indicated he planned to eject the 36-year-old Dearborn resident from a game Sunday at Mies Park, Livonia police Lt. Tom Goralski said.
A Detroit-area soccer player is facing a felony assault charge for allegedly punching a referee
The referee was in critical condition at a hospital, authorities said.
Saad wasn't at the field when police arrived, Goralski said. The lieutenant said Saad surrendered Monday.
Violence is far-from-uncommon in soccer and other sports, as illustrated by the recorded telephone message at the National Association of Sports Officials in Racine, Wisconsin.
"For NASO insurance or assault information, press 3," the message says.