Referee's alleged assault

An incident involving the referee Steve Harber and a spectator is being investigated by the British Ice Hockey Association, writes Steve Pinder.

Harber is alleged to have punched a spectator during Saturday's First Division match between Telford Tigers and Solihull Barons.

Harber was described by David Pickles of the BIHA as: "A very competent, experienced referee and this action is totally out of character." Reports say that while Harber was trying to separate two fighting players on the boards, he was hit on his helmet by a spectator who was able, because of the Telford rink's layout, to stand on a step and reach over the protective screen.

Harber retaliated, apparently punching the spectator twice. The spectator has said that since he was not hurt he will not be pressing charges, but Pickles said: "The BIHA are conducting a full and immediate investigation. We take the matter most seriously in the light of problems elsewhere in sport."