Angry dad attacks ref at junior rugby match

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - The Associated Press

Australia's Ed Jenkins (bottom) is tackled by South Africa's Chris Dry during the pool games of the Sevens World Series at Twickenham Stadium in London May 12, 2012. REUTERS photo

A man has been arrested after attacking an off-duty policeman who was refereeing a rugby match between teams of under 10-year-old players from the same club.

Witnesses said the man, whose son was playing in the match, shouted "why don't you referee the game properly?" before grabbing the referee by the throat. The referee's son was also among the players.

Senior Sergeant Ian Brenchley of Counties Manukau police confirmed Monday a man had been arrested but could not say what charges might be laid.

Auckland Rugby Referees Association chairman Don Crawford said the incident was a "sad reflection of society. How would you like to be a kid seeing your parent run on and hit someone? It's under-10s, for God's sake."