A referee who struck a player in the genitals during a Chilean first division
match has resigned rather than face a life ban, the Chilean Football
Federation (ANFP) announced Thursday.
Francisco Caamano, a physical education teacher with 33 years experience,
admitted he was at fault during the attack on Audax Italiano player Nestor
Contreras.
"We listened to the defence and the referees union. He (Caamano)
recognised the seriousness of his actions which is to his credit," said ANFP
chief Sergio Toloza.
The incident took place during last Sunday's league tie between Audax and
Deportes Temuco at Temuco, 600km south of Santiago, when the referee
sent Contreras off to the anger of the crowd.
When the player and team captain Alejandro Carrasco demanded to know
why Caamano kneed Contreras in the genitals and he fell to the ground.
Caamano said the blow had been intended for the player's thigh and was a
reflex action because the player had stepped on his feet.
But the explanation was rejected by the referees' union after viewing
television footage.