Man accused after alleged boy, 11, at the neck at a junior football match – ‘very serious matter’

A 46-year-old man has been charged after he reportedly grabbed a young child at the neck at a junior football match.

The police said that the man, supposed to be a parent of a visiting team, is said to be the boy, 11, who played in a match in Abbeville Park at Mindarie in Perth‘s North on 25 May.

The man is accused of a count of obstructing normal breathing or blood circulation of another person by exerting pressure on the neck.

The child did not need medical treatment.

The Mindarie Football Club has since labeled the alleged behavior a ‘serious incident’ and is supposed to support the child and his family.

“Although passion and competitiveness are part of football, we must always remember that the game is for the players – especially the children,” said Club President Lee Hughes.

A 46-year-old man has been charged after he reportedly grabbed a young child at the neck at a junior football match (stock image)

The man is accused of a count of obstructing normal breathing or blood circulation of another person by exerting pressure on the neck (stock image)

Football West CEO Jamie Harwell also described the alleged incident as a ‘very serious matter’.

“Anyone to have reported someone else’s child is extremely disturbing, as a parent of children and someone who loves the game,” the former A-League star ABC Radio Perth said.

Harnwell added that it was an isolated incident.

“We have around 1500 to 2,000 games that are going on every weekend and we certainly hear nothing about something like this,” he said.

‘We do a lot of work with our clubs to support them, to support good behavior in games and training sessions.

“(Our goal is) to ensure that everyone who attends a football match understands the expectations that are placed on them.”

In a statement Football West told the ABC that they would collaborate with the police about the alleged issue.

The man will appear on June 6 in the Jondalup Magistrates Court.