A Wisconsin parent was cited for disorderly conduct after allegedly tripping a 9-year-old football player who was running toward the end zone during a youth league game in Racine County.
The incident occurred Saturday during a game between the Case Eagles and Milwaukee Colts in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin.
Video from the game showed the young Eagles player, wearing No. 88, running down the field toward a potential touchdown when an adult near the sideline stepped onto the field and extended his leg.
The child and the 41-year-old man both fell to the ground, and officials stopped play.
According to Mount Pleasant police, the man became “upset over a play” before walking onto the field.
Police said he later left the area but was contacted during a traffic stop, where he admitted to his actions. Officers issued him a citation for disorderly conduct.
Police have not publicly identified the man.
Channing Schultz, head coach of the Case Eagles, said the player was not seriously injured but expressed anger over what happened during the game.
“I was filled with anger; it was disgusting,” Schultz told CBS 58. “It was the most cowardly act I’ve ever seen. For him to just do it with so much intent, and he was committed. No words can fix that at all.”
Schultz later told WISN that he was relieved the child avoided a more serious injury.
“The way he kicked my little guy. His leg could’ve broke. His shin could’ve broke,” the coach said.
Other parents who attended the youth football game also voiced concern about the incident, particularly because the game involved young children.
“There is fear playing a game like that, and with youth sports, it should be fun. It shouldn’t be fearful at all,” one woman told WISN.
An official with the Milwaukee Colts confirmed to CBS 58 that the man had been banned from attending games for the remainder of the season.
Schultz said he believes the punishment should go further and called for a permanent ban.
The incident also sparked significant reaction online after Mount Pleasant police announced the disorderly conduct citation. Some social media users argued that the penalty was too lenient and called for additional consequences.
“He assaulted a child; you should at least refer up charges to the DA for battery, attempted battery, reckless endangering safety. This is a weak charge; more should be done,” one user wrote in response to the police department’s announcement.
Another commenter criticized the behavior and questioned what message incidents like this send to children.
“It’s disgusting what this country is coming to. How do we expect anything better from children?”
A third social media user called for additional charges, while another said the parent “needs to pay the price” for his actions.
“This is absolutely abhorrent, ridiculous and not OK,” she raged.
“We will find out who you are. You’re a disgrace and embarrassment.”
The incident has now become a flashpoint over adult behavior at youth sporting events, where competition is supposed to remain on the field among the players.
In this case, however, police say a parent upset over a play allegedly decided to get involved himself — and ended up with a disorderly conduct citation and a ban from the remainder of the Colts’ season.
