STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — The soccer referee knocked to the ground by a Steubenville High School player during a tournament match Tuesday has spoken publicly for the first time, saying he is recovering at home and calling for stronger accountability and better protections for game officials.
“Referee abuse has absolutely no place in soccer or any sport,” Jonathan Cross said in the statement.
Cross said he suffered rib contusions and a neck sprain in the collision and described the incident as physically painful and emotionally difficult. Reports in the days after the match described broken ribs and a collapsed lung; the Ohio High School Athletic Association said during the week that Cross’s injuries were improving and that he would be OK.
The incident happened Oct. 27, with about 5:40 remaining in Steubenville’s Division III district semifinal against New Philadelphia. After a foul was called and a card issued to one Steubenville player, a second Steubenville player charged across the field and slammed into Cross, knocking him to the ground. Video of the collision spread widely online. New Philadelphia won the match 2-1.
“The OHSAA is aware of the incident and has been in communication with the school,” OHSAA communications director Tim Stried said in a statement. “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.” Stried said the association will decide on any additional penalties after reviewing the discipline the school imposes, and that the school indicated the punishment would be significant.
Steubenville City Schools said it reviewed the matter with the OHSAA and imposed discipline, but that student privacy laws prevent the district from specifying the measures taken. “The District worked collaboratively with the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) to review the matter and ensure it was addressed appropriately,” the district said. “Following the review, disciplinary action was imposed.”
The Steubenville Police Department said it was not aware of any incident involving a player and an official during the game.
