Charges pending after hockey player punches referee
CANONSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) — A Pittsburgh-area hockey player was caught on video punching a referee.
During an adult league game on Wednesday night, two players from opposing teams got into a fight. The referee tried to break it up and one of those players punched the referee, knocking him to the ground.
The fight broke out around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday during a game at Printscape Arena at Southpointe. The fight, captured on LiveBarn, shows Jaris Harbieh and another player having words. A referee skates over and tries to separate the two when Harbieh punches him in the face.
The referee was knocked to the ground and a brawl broke out between the teams. When the dust settled, the referee did not seek medical attention.
Cecil Township police said the game was stopped and the 23-year-old Harbieh was taken out of the arena in handcuffs. Harbieh has also been suspended from play.
The arena's manager said it is also conducting its own investigation.
Charges are pending against Harbieh. They include simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.
