Rugby League starlet slapped with 20-YEAR ban after ‘punching referee in face’ in ‘horrible situation’

A RUGBY league player has received a 20-YEAR ban after allegedly hitting a referee.

The French starlet was playing for Racing Club de Saint-Gaudens in an Under-19 Elite clash against Limoux on December 15 when the apparent incident took place.

It is claimed the unknown 17-year-old punched the official on the right cheek before allegedly following them back to the changing rooms.

Now the French Rugby League Federation has come down hard on the player – although he could have been banned for life.

French rugby league referees blasted the apparent violence towards match officials, saying: “Like you, they are human, and they can sometimes make mistakes.

“Whatever the match, the refereeing body is the constant target of multiple attacks.

“From insults to threats to obscene gestures, every referee has already experienced this horrible situation.

“Those responsible – coaches, supporters, players or managers- sometimes forget the values of our sport.

“Recently, physical attacks against us have multiplied. A young referee was again attacked in the face recently.

“This new attack is the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

“Every year, many young boys and girls approach regional officials to start refereeing.

“Unfortunately, too many of them stop shortly after, disgusted with spending their afternoons enduring insults and threats on the side of the pitch.”