Ecuadorian footballer suspended after stone attack on assistant referee

During an Ascenso Nacional match in Yantzaza, Ecuador, a player threw a stone at assistant referee Lenin Ojeda from the bench on October 17.

The Ecuadorian Football Federation provisionally suspended Jhon Michel Perlaza for 60 days and opened a disciplinary case.

Ojeda suffered a fractured cheekbone, was taken to hospital by ambulance and remains under medical care; his condition was reported as stable.

Perlaza has apologized to the referee, according to a report published on October 22.

Ciudad de Yantzaza said it had permanently removed Perlaza from the club and apologized to Ojeda and fans.

The referee’s association is seeking possible attempted-homicide penalties, while the federation reviews the match report and video.

The stadium is expected to be suspended, and further penalties for the player or club may depend on the disciplinary findings.