Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A football match on Auckland’s North Shore ended with a player being kicked on the ground and left with a broken jaw, leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old man.
Police said the incident happened around 1.30pm on 28 June, following a game at Sunnynook Park.
A scuffle broke out between members of the two teams, during which the victim was allegedly punched in the face and kicked as he lay on the ground.
The player suffered serious injuries, including a broken jaw that required surgery.
Following several weeks of enquiry, Acting Inspector Tim Williams said officers arrested a 23-year-old man on Thursday.
He has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is due to appear in the North Shore District Court on Friday.
Williams said police would take a hard line against violence on the sports field.
“This type of violent behaviour is unacceptable and we will hold people accountable for their actions.”
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