Player knocked unconscious

By Adam Morton
June 7, 2005 - 6:25PM

Two suburban soccer games were abandoned on Saturday after an 18-year-old was knocked unconscious in an attack club officials likened to the incident that killed former cricketer David Hookes.

Fauq Amiri, a Frankston Strikers senior player, was hit as he watched his club's reserves team play Endeavour United in division three of the State League at Reema Reserve, Endeavour Hills.

"The suggestion was there was a scuffle, some pushing and shoving, and then one punch was thrown," Football Federation Victoria spokesman Michael Zappone told theage.com.au.

"That person then ran away from the scene, jumped in his car and drove off.

"The victim hit his head on the concrete after he was struck and as a result, was unconscious. My understanding is a number plate was taken."

A police spokesman said the assault was being investigated.

Frankston Strikers president Tony Hall said he understood Amiri spent two nights at the Royal Melbourne Hospital after being induced into a brief coma to reduce swelling. He was released late yesterday.

"At least five of the senior players chased after the car," Mr Hall said.

"Our guy apparently got hit in the side of the face ... it was a bit like the David Hookes incident, when he went down and hit the concrete and he wasn't so lucky.

"Our lad was lucky this time and he's up now and trying to walk around."
Mr Zappone said the referee decided to call off the reserves game and the senior match that was to follow.

"The Frankston players were in no frame of mind to be playing the game after witnessing their teammate being hit, being unconscious and taken away," he said.

Mr Hall said the attack was the latest in a string of incidents that damaged soccer's reputation on the eve of the launch of the new national competition, the A-League.

"It's certainly affected out club and our thinking. Is it worthwhile doing this, encouraging juniors to play? Things like this only destroy the game," he said.

Mr Zappone said a decision on whether the game would be replayed would be referred to the FFV tribunal.

"The game will either be rescheduled or the points awarded to one of the two sides if there was anybody at fault," he said.