Man brought to hospital in Tullamore after player allegedly headbutted by supporter at soccer match

A man has been charged after a player was allegedly headbutted during a soccer match in Laois at the weekend. 

The incident happened during a senior match between Arlington FC and Kildare based Coill Dubh FC in Portarlington on Sunday.  

The alleged assault is understood to have taken place late in the game when a supporter became agitated following a foul on the pitch.  

The supporter walked from the sideline onto the pitch where a player was allegedly headbutted. The incident sparked further scuffles on the pitch and prompted a decision by match officials to abandon the game.

Gardai said one man was taken by ambulance to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore following the incident. It’s understood he received stitches and was released later that day. 

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Laois Gardai arrested and charged a man in connection with the incident on Sunday. He has since been released and a file is being prepared for the DPP. 

Gardai in Portarlington are investigating the alleged assault and what they called the wider “disorder that ensued” in its immediate aftermath. 

They are appealing for eye witnesses or for anyone who has information or footage of the incident to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100.