Teen soccer player arrested for allegedly punching, critically injuring referee

(CBS/AP) TAYLORSVILLE, Utah - Usually any discussion of "soccer violence" includes a mention of the fans.

But a Salt Lake City man who was a referee in a recreational soccer game is in critical condition after he was punched by a teenager who was playing in the game.

Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal says the attack happened over the weekend during a game at Eisenhower Junior High School in Taylorsville.

Hoyal says the 46-year-old referee apparently made a call against the teen, who lashed out with a single punch to the man's face.

Hoyal says the victim was taken to the hospital with what initially appeared to be minor injuries, but doctors determined his condition was much more severe.

Officials say the teenager from Salt Lake City was booked into the Salt Lake Valley Juvenile Detention Center on suspicion of aggravated assault. His name isn't being released because he's a minor.

According to the Salt Lake City Tribune, the incident remains under investigation and the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office will decide whether the teen will be charged as an adult.