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Jonathan Cross, the referee struck by a Steubenville soccer player during Tuesday’s East District boys soccer semifinal at Harding Stadium, issued a statement on Sunday, his first public comments since the incident.
Cross, who has been an OHSAA referee since 2013, said in his statement that, “as a result of the assault, I sustained rib contusions and a neck sprain. I am currently home recovering and taking things one day at a time. While I am grateful that my injuries were not more serious, this incident has been physically painful and emotionally difficult.”
Cross thanked everyone who has reached out to him with thoughts, prayers and well wishes in the days since the incident.
He also stated that, “referee abuse has absolutely no place in soccer or any sport.”
“Referees are human beings who volunteer or work to help provide a safe, fair, and organized environment for players,” Cross’ statement continued. “We are parents, spouses, friends, and members of our communities. We put ourselves out there because we love the game and want to give back to it. No call, decision, disagreement, or outcome of a game ever justifies physical violence against an official. Verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, and physical assaults should never be accepted as simply part of the game. If we continue to tolerate this behavior, we risk losing the very people who make organized sports possible. Nobody should have to worry about their personal safety simply because they agreed to referee a soccer match.
“I hope something positive can come from this unfortunate situation.”
Cross also said he looks forward to “eventually get back to doing what I love.”
The incident occurred with less than six minutes remaining in the contest while Cross was issuing a penalty card to a different player. The Steubenville player ran at and made contact with Cross, sending him to the ground.
The game continued to its conclusion with Cross remaining on the field.
Video of the incident was circulating on social media by Wednesday and the OHSAA issued a statement less than 24 hours afterwards that it was aware of the incident and in communication with Steubenville City Schools in regards to punishment for the player. The OHSAA said it could seek further punishment beyond the school’s and said the school had indicated that its punishment “Would be severe.”
“Physical violence against an official is among the most serious offenses that a coach, player or fan can commit and the OHSAA will pursue this to the fullest extent possible,” the OHSAA’s statement said.
Steubenville City Schools Superintendent Melinda Young said in a statement last week that “The district worked collaboratively with the Ohio High School Athletic Association to review the matter and ensure it was addressed appropriately.”
“Following the review, disciplinary action was imposed. Consistent with student privacy laws, the district cannot comment on the specific disciplinary measures taken. The district remains committed to maintaining high standards of sportsmanship, respect and safety at all athletic contests.”