Sad news coming out of Spain today as top FIH umpires Paco Vazquez and Diego Estebanez pass along reports that a young umpire was assaulted by two parents during an U16 competition. Our thoughts are with Luis Miguel Valenciano Montanyana and we can only hope that harsh action from the hockey authorities there as well as criminal sanctions will reinforce the message that we don't tolerate bullies of any kind in hockey.
On Facebook, Vazquez said the following (Google translation here):
Aun sabiendo que el deporte es competitividad, esfuerzo, pasión, etc, sigo estando consternado de saber que dos salvajes agredieron a un compañero. A alguien cuyo único pecado ha sido intentar impartir justicia y disfrutar el deporte de una manera diferente. Eso no es el deporte que yo concibo. Todo mi ánimo y el soporte que sea necesario.
Diego Estebanez also showed his dismay on Facebook (Google translation here):
Uno siente verguenza y pena de compartir deporte con este tipo de salvajes. Todo mi apoyo y solidaridad con mi compañero.
Source: Agredido árbitro en el Campeonato de España Cadete – FHZ – Best Field Hockey Community Ever
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