Advertisement
Jose Lopez points to an undated photo of Ricardo Portillo, centre, his brother-in-law. Rick Bowmer/AP/Press Association Images
Charged

Teenage footballer charged in referee's death

The youth soccer player allegedly punched the official during a game.

A 17-YEAR-OLD who allegedly punched a referee who showed him a yellow card in a youth match in Utah, was charged with homicide last night, less than a week after the official died.

A statement issued by Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said prosecutors would seek to have the accused tried as an adult in the death of Ricardo Portillo. The youth, who has so far not been named because he is a minor, allegedly punched Portillo in the face during a match on April 27.

Portillo, 46, was first thought to have minor injuries, but was later found to have serious internal head injuries and he died in hospital on 4 May. The boy was arrested on 29 April and charged with aggravated assault.

He has now been charged with homicide by assault, a less serious charge than manslaughter that is brought when an assailant is not thought to have intended to kill.

© AFP, 2013

Spurs battle to claim crucial point against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Gary Neville backs David Moyes to fill Alex Ferguson’s shoes

Your Voice
Readers Comments
1
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.