A teenager charged by police after allegedly coward punching an opposition player following the full-time whistle at the end of a community soccer match has been suspended from playing.
The 16-year-old allegedly punched a player from the opposing team at the end of an Under-17s match at Birralee Oval, Kurri Kurri, on the night of May 12.
The blow knocked the alleged victim unconscious and broke his jaw, leaving him needing surgery, police said.
The teenager who allegedly threw the punch was charged on Monday with recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm. He was granted bail and will face children's court next month.
Macquarie Football, Newcastle Football and Hunter Valley Football - the governing bodies of the local community inter-district competition - confirmed on Wednesday the 16-year-old had also been suspended from playing.
But the governing bodies would not specify the length of the fixed-term ban. The player has the right to appeal the suspension.
