Police and football authorities are now investigating the incident in an over-40s match in south Wales

A veterans football match descended into chaos on Sunday following an alleged assault on a referee.

The match at the Motazone Arena between Cwmbran Celtic over-40s and Tiger Bay Veterans was abandoned, with the latter leading 4-3 at the time.

It's alleged a match official was assaulted by a player, having previously shown a red card to a Tiger Bay player in the 77th minute.

An investigation has been launched by the South Wales Football Association (SWFA) and the Welsh Veterans FA (WVFA).

The matter has also been referred to Gwent Police, with a spokesperson confirming: "We received a report of an assault at a football match at around 4.05pm on Monday 26 October.

"The assault is alleged to have happened the previous day on Sunday 25 October."

In a short statement, a spokesperson from the WVFA said: "We are currently waiting to receive statements from the clubs involved and these will be used along with the referee's report in an investigation by the WVFA and the SWFA."

In their own statement, the SWFA said: "The South Wales Football Association (SWFA) is aware of comments circulating on social media concerning an alleged assault on a match official and the subsequent abandonment of a football match.

"The Association unequivocally condemns any form of abuse, threatening behaviour or violence towards match officials. Such conduct is unacceptable and has no place in football.

"The SWFA is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. We are in direct contact with the match official concerned and are liaising with the relevant league as part of this process.

"As the investigation is ongoing, the Association will not be making any further comment at this stage."

Cwmbran Celtic, meanwhile, has insisted its players, members of staff, and supporters were not involved in the incident, adding they are cooperating with investigations.

"Cwmbran Celtic wishes to make it clear that the incident did not involve anybody associated with our football club, including our players, officials or spectators.

"The club handled the situation with the utmost respect and in a manner consistent with the values and standards expected of a Cwmbran Celtic team.

"The club does not condone violence or any behaviour that falls short of the standards expected within football.

"Out of respect for all those involved and while the investigation remains ongoing, the club will make no further comment until the process has been concluded.

"We ask that everyone respects the process and refrains from speculation while the investigation is ongoing."

Tiger Bay FC declined to comment when approached by WalesOnline.

The latest incident in a worrying trend

This is just the latest ugly incident involving match officials in Wales.

Referees in Carmarthenshire opted to boycott junior fixtures for an entire weekend earlier this month in light of recent incidents.

A group of grassroots referees has even come together to form a union in a bid to tackle some of the recent spikes in abuse and violence.

A spokesperson for the newly formed Wales Referee Union Branch said: "Referees are essential to football at every level, yet too many face intimidation, verbal abuse, harassment, threats and, in the most serious cases, physical violence from individuals associated with clubs, including players, coaches, managers and supporters.

"The establishment of the Wales Referee Union Branch aims to give referees a stronger collective voice, promote their welfare, support those subjected to abuse and help ensure that serious misconduct is properly reported and addressed.

"The message is clear: no referee should have to choose between their personal safety and their commitment to football.

"The Union will advocate for effective disciplinary action, appropriate legal support and meaningful consequences for offenders. Depending on the circumstances and the outcome of legal proceedings, those responsible may face club or footballing sanctions, civil claims for damages, criminal prosecution where applicable, and court orders requiring payment of compensation and legal costs.

"Football depends on referees being able to officiate without fear. Clubs, governing bodies, players, managers, coaches and supporters all have a responsibility to help create a culture of respect and accountability.

"The Wales Referee Union Branch is committed to standing up for referees, supporting those who experience abuse and pursuing appropriate action against those responsible."