A FOOTBALLER was given a police caution after he pushed a referee during a match on Saturday afternoon.

Rhys Cox, 27, “manhandled” Sean Hicks after he was sent off captaining Lliswerry AFC against Treowen Stars on the 3G pitch at the Newport International Sports Village.

After being sent off Mr Cox pushed Mr Hicks and walked off the pitch, into the dugout area. Once the player turned back to confront the referee again, Mr Hicks abandoned the match.

Police were called at about 3.30pm. Mr Hicks from Cardiff, who was refereeing in place of a sick official, then locked his dressing room door. He would only say he had been “manhandled” by a player.

A Football Association of Wales (FAW) spokesman said no suspension has yet been given to Mr Cox or Lliswerry AFC because they were still waiting to receive Mr Hicks’ match report. They will decide on disciplinary action once that has been delivered.

The teams were drawing 2-2 when the match was abandoned. It will be rescheduled at a later date.