Shocking footage has emerged over the weekend of a rugby referee being allegedly punched towards the end of a cup final in New Zealand.
The referee was officiating the match on Saturday, in Otago, between Strath Taieri and Crescent when he issued a red card to a Crescent player for allegedly punching an opponent.
When the official sent the player off, he appeared to lunge at the referee and punch him.
Otago Rugby referees association chairman Chris Hart told 1 News: "It’s obviously very serious for us and we’re pretty saddened by the whole event really.
"It’s pretty gutting, this particular referee, he fronts up every week, he’s a volunteer and to have this happen you know, it’s pretty poor.
"This is the first time I have ever seen a really bad case like this. As I said before, we’re all pretty gutted and disappointed."
Police confirmed to 1 NEWS they are investigating an assault complaint following a rugby game in Middlemarch but could not comment further.
Strath Taieri won the final 29-24.
