Youth soccer coach arrested for assaulting referee, who remains hospitalized
A 40-year-old youth coach from the Leiden-based soccer club Lugdunum has been arrested for assaulting a referee during a match involving under-15 teams on Saturday. The incident took place during a game between ARC from Alphen aan den Rijn and Lugdunum.
According to police statements to RTL following initial reporting by Omroep West, the referee was struck in the throat and transported to the hospital by ambulance. He remains hospitalized with bruised vocal cords and is currently prohibited from speaking as doctors continue to evaluate potential damage to his larynx. The injury may require surgery, according to witnesses.
The confrontation began after the assistant coach of Lugdunum was dismissed from the field for inappropriate remarks. Tensions escalated further when the referee attempted to send off the head coach. “That’s when everything went wrong. There was pushing and hitting,” ARC chairman Robert Roeleven told RTL. “The referee was struck in the throat. Emergency services were called immediately, and police were notified. A formal complaint was filed on the spot.”
Roeleven expressed deep concern over the attack. “It’s horrible,” he said. “You're just refereeing a youth match on a Saturday in your free time, and then something like this happens. Keep your hands to yourself. Always.”
Roeleven also emphasized the emotional impact on the players and spectators. “It’s unimaginable and very sad that 14-year-old boys had to witness this. From both teams—ARC and the opponent. That’s also where my concern lies: with the players and spectators who had to see this.”
The coach from Lugdunum was arrested Sunday morning and is expected to be brought before a magistrate soon. The public prosecutor will then decide whether he remains in custody.
Lugdunum chairman Koos Keijzer, who was not present at the game, told Omroep West that the club is conducting a thorough internal investigation. “We regret incidents like this. They do not belong on a football field or in society,” Keijzer said. “We will take measures where necessary.”
