A man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after an incident involving a spectator and a referee during an under-13s football match.

The game between Diss Town U13s and Spixworth U13 was abandoned yesterday and an investigation was launched by the Norfolk County Football Association.

Norfolk Police has now confirmed a man in his 30s has been arrested.

Reports in the local football community suggest the referee was taken to hospital with serious facial injuries.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to Bressingham playing fields shortly before 11.30am yesterday, following a report of an incident at a youth club football match between a spectator and referee.

"A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of assault and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Norwich Evening News: Police say the man arrested was later released under investigation while enquiries continuePolice say the man arrested was later released under investigation while enquiries continue (Image: Google Maps)

"He was later released under investigation while enquiries continue.

"The victim was a man aged in his 50s."

Spixworth U13s have had their fixtures suspended by the Norfolk Combined Youth Football League amid the investigations.

A spokesman for Norfolk County FA said: "Norfolk FA are aware of a serious incident of physical abuse from a spectator towards a registered match official at a youth game.

"We'll do all we can to support the victim, while reiterating our stance that we strongly condemn, and will not accept any form of abuse within our local game."

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Spixworth FC said it was "assisting all authorities with their investigations" but added it wasn't appropriate for them to comment on this case at this time.

Norwich Evening News: The incident happened on Sunday during an U13 football match between Spixworth and DissThe incident happened on Sunday during an U13 football match between Spixworth and Diss (Image: Newsquest)

However, a post on X after the game, stated: "Spixworth Youth FC are disgusted by the actions of a spectator at the U13 youth match.

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"The club takes a zero-tolerance approach to this behaviour.

"We have reached out to Diss to apologise and will cooperate with all investigations."

Diss Town has been approached for comment.

Norfolk FA promotes the national FA's Respect campaign, which includes a code of conduct for spectators.

Norwich Evening News: Amateur football relies on match officials to oversee games, with the FA's Respect campaign part of efforts to protect referees and their assistantsAmateur football relies on match officials to oversee games, with the FA's Respect campaign part of efforts to protect referees and their assistants (Image: Adobe Stock)

Included in this is the need to "always respect the referee" and to stay behind the touchline.

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Those who breach these terms can be told not to attend future games, along with their child, and potentially can be issued a fine.

Tony Collins, who has been a referee for 26 years and is part of the South Norfolk Referee Association, said: "An attack, whether it be on players, coaches, spectators or officials is totally unacceptable.

"The full force of the law needs to be upheld once the investigation has finished."