A youth football team in New Mexico was banned from its league after a parent body slammed a referee, prompting a brawl, KRQE reported.
The fight occurred during a Young America Football League game Saturday between Rio Grande and Atrisco Heritage, the television station reported.
Fans at the game said the fight was sparked after a player confronted an official during the game between 13-year-olds, KRQE reported.
The game was canceled after the incident, the television station reported.
According to some parents, a flag on a play led to a push from a player and a push back from the official. At that point, the father of one of the players grabbed the referee and slammed him to the ground, the television station reported.
"Unfortunately some people get too excited for these events and they decide to go onto the field and take matters into their own hands," Officer Simon Drobik told KRQE.
The YAFL told the television station that since the code of conduct policy was violated, the entire team was banned from further play.
The New Mexico Activities Association, which does not have jurisdiction over the YAFL, said aggressive acts are causing a shortage of officials.
"It's disappointing to see something like that occur at a youth sporting event, and it's one of those things and other sportsmanship issues that are causing the shortage of officials," Dusty Young told KRQE.
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