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Hollingbourne: Referee Michael Brookes knocked out during Hollingbourne FC and Lenham Wanderers game

Police have made an arrest after a referee was knocked out during a football match last month.

Michael Brookes was hit in the face by a Hollingbourne FC player during a cup match with Lenham Wanderers on Saturday, September 16.

An overzealous tackle and a head-butt led to Mr Brookes brandishing a red card before one of the home side’s players punched him and knocked him unconscious.

Referee Mick Brookes shortly after being punched
Referee Mick Brookes shortly after being punched

Police and paramedics arrived at the playing fields at Greenway Court Road shortly after 4pm and the 59-year-old was later taken to hospital.

A 28-year-old man from Maidstone was arrested on Wednesday, October 4, on suspicion of assault, and has since been released pending further investigation.

A witness, who did not wish to be named, said: “The ambulance was there and so were the police, and all the players started fighting each other.

“There was a bad tackle and as the referee was dealing with that a different player head-butted another player.

“He sent him off and before he could send the other player off he was knocked cold out.”

Mr Brookes, who has refereed for 33 years, was fortunate not to suffer a fractured jaw and cannot remember anything from the violent incident.

“It caught me by surprise and I didn’t see it coming at all. Before I knew it I was on the deck" - Michael Brookes

He said: “I’m OK now. I have a bit of pain and swelling and I am taking drugs that the hospital has given me.

“Fortunately the jaw isn’t broken and it is all in the hands of the police now. I believe the club have suspended the player.

“It caught me by surprise and I didn’t see it coming at all. Before I knew it I was on the deck.”

A spokesman for Kent FA confirmed the player had been suspended while an investigation is carried out.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to officers is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference YY/026591/17. Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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