Alleged assault on child at soccer fixture

THE PSNI is investigating the alleged assault of a young primary school pupil during a recent soccer match involving a club from Tyrone.

The incident took place during a match between Beragh Swifts and Irvinestown in the U-13 age category of the Brendan Keogh Youth League at the Bawnacre Centre in Co Fermanagh. Reports suggest that a ten-year-old player from Beragh Swifts was involved in a tackle with another player during the match.

As the referee intervened and addressed both players, an adult allegedly entered the field and ‘assaulted’ the young Beragh player.

The PSNI released a statement confirming their investigation into the incident. A spokesperson stated, “Police are investigating a report of an alleged assault on a football pitch in the Castle Street area of Irvinestown on Tuesday night, January 9. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

Sources reveal that the match continued post the alleged incident, with Irvinestown securing a victory with a scoreline of 9-0. Notably, the referee reportedly issued a yellow card to the adult implicated in the assault. The matter was later escalated to the PSNI following conclusion of the match..

The Brendan Keogh Youth League, which hosts numerous youth teams from West Tyrone and Fermanagh across various age groups, is a significant sporting event within the local youth soccer community.