The spectator who hit a 17-year-old referee during a soccer match in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on Saturday apologized in a long letter sent to Soccer Quebec, the St-Laurent Soccer Club and the family of the victim.
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In the copy dated May 10 obtained by TVA Nouvelles, the grandfather of a player says he deeply regrets the punch he delivered to the boy.
“I behaved in an unacceptable way and I take responsibility for it. Rest assured that I deeply regret it. As a former teacher, I am particularly aware that this is a very bad example for 14-year-olds,” the document reads.
He swears that such an act of violence goes against his values.
“I also started a process to get help, because my gesture was unjustifiable and did not represent who I am or what I want to be,” said the man whose identity has not been identified. not been disclosed.
The referee was injured by the punch, but is recovering quietly. He still doesn’t know if he will continue his job as a referee, according to his boss, director of refereeing Robert D’Alesio.
“He was under a lot of pressure, he was very stressed,” Mr. D’Alesio said of his employee. The victim and his family are considering whether they will file a complaint with the police.
On Monday, Soccer Quebec issued a press release denouncing the attack.
“What was important for us in the first place was to make sure that the young referee was doing well in the circumstances and that he was well surrounded, declared the director general of the federation, Mathieu Chamberland. But I unreservedly denounce this aggression and I remind you that there is no reason, really no reason, which justifies the attack of an official, it is zero tolerance.
Here is the full letter
Hello,
On May 7, I attended my grandson’s soccer game in Dollard-des-Ormeaux in the West Island of Montreal. During the match, I initiated a verbal and then physical altercation with a young linesman. I behaved in an unacceptable way and I take responsibility for it. Rest assured that I deeply regret it. As a former teacher, I am particularly aware that this is a very bad example for 14 year olds.
So I want to sincerely apologize, first and foremost to this young man and his family. I also apologize to the players and coaches of both teams and to the other match officials. Finally, I want to apologize to those who witnessed this moment of bewilderment which lacked civic-mindedness, courtesy and which gave an example of a violence yet completely opposed to my own values. I also started a process to get help, because my gesture was unjustifiable and did not represent who I am or what I want to be.
I am extremely saddened by the situation and the consequences it has had for so many people, including my family members. I am aware that many may have been shocked or hurt by my actions and I ask their forgiveness.
I am aware that my gesture cannot be erased. However, I hope that it will make everyone realize how important it is for our children or our grandchildren to be able to have fun while practicing their favorite sport in an environment free from violence.