World · North America · 2 hrs ago
Ohio referee suffers broken ribs and collapsed lung after player tackle
During a high school playoff game in Ohio, a player tackled a referee from behind after the official showed a red card to one of the player's teammates.
The match was between New Philadelphia and Steubenville, and New Philadelphia won 2-1.
The referee was taken to hospital with broken ribs and a collapsed lung, according to the account.
The incident matters because physical violence against a game official is treated as a serious offense by the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
Steubenville's school says it reviewed the matter and imposed disciplinary action, but it has not disclosed the details because of student privacy laws.
The athletic association says it is waiting for the school's response to decide whether to add its own penalties.
New Philadelphia is due to play Dover in the district final, with a place in the regional semifinals at stake.
An Ohio high school soccer referee was taken to hospital with broken ribs and a collapsed lung after a player tackled him during a playoff game.
The incident occurred during a district matchup between New Philadelphia and Steubenville on Tuesday night.
New Philadelphia won 2-1, eliminating Steubenville from the playoffs.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association said it would pursue the matter and that significant consequences were expected.
Steubenville City Schools said disciplinary action had been imposed but declined to disclose details, citing student privacy laws.
- Who
- An unidentified player and a high school soccer referee in Ohio.
- What
- The player tackled the referee, who suffered broken ribs and a collapsed lung.
- When
- Tuesday night, during a playoff game; the article was published on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- During a district matchup between New Philadelphia and Steubenville in Ohio.
- Why
- The player appeared frustrated after a teammate was shown a red card, according to the article.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
New Philadelphia beat Steubenville 2-1 in a district playoff game, during which a player tackled the referee.
The referee was taken to hospital and treated for broken ribs and a collapsed lung.
Steubenville City Schools said disciplinary action had been imposed and that it could not disclose the measures.
The Daily Mail published its report on the incident.
- Injury
- Broken ribs and a collapsed lung
- Match result
- New Philadelphia 2-1 Steubenville
- Incident
- A player tackled the referee during a district playoff game
- Disciplinary action
- Imposed by Steubenville City Schools; specific measures not disclosed
- Next matchup
- New Philadelphia was set to face Dover in the District Final on Thursday evening
1 source
What people are saying
Physical violence against an official is among the most serious offenses that a coach, player or fan can commit and the OHSAA will pursue this to the fullest extent possible.
The District remains committed to maintaining high standards of sportsmanship, respect, and safety at all athletic events.
Posts on X
An ugly incident towards an official in last nights OHSAA District soccer game between New Philadelphia and Steubenville. We have reached out to the OHSAA Director of Officials who does not have an update at this time. 🎥 Contributed