Wirral referee injured by coin throwing at Cardiff match

Apr 6 2009 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A MAN was arrested after the referee at yesterday’s Cardiff City v Swansea City football derby was hit by a coin thrown from the crowd, police said.

Wirral official Mike Dean was left bleeding above his right eye following the incident at Cardiff’s Ninian Park.

Chief Superintendent Josh Jones said: “One arrest has been made in relation to the coin throwing incident involving the referee during the match, and we will be studying CCTV to identify further individuals who were involved.”

The referee required medical treatment after he was struck in the 42nd minute of the 2-2 Coca-Cola Championship draw.

Cardiff manager Dave Jones said the incident overshadowed and soured a fantastic advert for Welsh football.

Club chairman Peter Ridsdale said the arrested man would be banned from Cardiff City games for life if found guilty, and added: “This behaviour has no place at all in football.”