Gardaí in Co Westmeath have begun an investigation after a referee was assaulted following a soccer match over the weekend.
It is believed the assault occurred in the village of Horseleap, when a dispute broke out following a game between Horseleap and Mullingar Town.
Gardaí say the man suffered a fractured jaw and an eye injury following the incident which also involved three players and a spectator.
Although no arrests have yet been made Gardaí say an investigation is currently ongoing.