Man kicked out of Temecula soccer game arrested after attacking referee

Referee Charles Haynes was taken into custody Sunday at his home where police say fled after the assault and booked on suspicion of felony battery and battery of a sports official.

A 31-year-old Canyon Lake man who investigators say attacked a soccer referee during an Easter Day game in Temecula has been arrested, said Sgt. Michael Canizales in a news release.

Haynes posted bail and is due back in court next month.

In incident was reported about 6:10 p.m. at Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park at the intersection of Deer Hollow Way and Pechanga Parkway. Investigators said Haynes had been “red-carded” during a game between two teams and ejected from the contest, Canizales said. The ongoing dispute between both teams resulted in the sports official, Gaston Manrique, 50, ending the game with 20 minutes left in regulation, Canizales said.

Manrique was tackled by Haynes on the game field while he was recording the final score and the official injured his back as a result of the attack, Canizales said. Manrique was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for an examination for possible spinal injuries.

Haynes fled the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival, but was located at his residence in Canyon Lake, where Canyon Lake Police responded and detained him for questioning, Canizales said. Temecula Police later took Haynes into custody and arrested him.

South West River News