A female youth football coach was reportedly knocked unconscious by a spectator who had allegedly 'attacked her from behind' during a junior tournament at Keith Hay Park in Auckland on Sunday.
Police said to the New Zealand Herald that they are investigating the incident and are making enquiries after the Ellerslie AFC coach was left needing treatment in hospital.
According to reports from the New Zealand Herald, the spectator, who was believed to be the parent of a Papakura City FC player had been 'making threatening gestures' during the Under 10s semi-final match.
Some of those signs had allegedly included a 'throat-slitting motion' which was made towards Ellerslie spectators.
The attack had allegedly taken place while the Ellerslie coach was on her way to the bathroom after her side had been beaten. The tournament's final was subsequently delayed by approximately 30 minutes as emergency services attended the coach.
A female youth football coach was reportedly knocked unconscious by an opposition supporter
The incident occurred at the Keith Hay Park in Auckland on Sunday during a youth football tournament
Auckland United, who had hosted the tournament, said they had a 'zero-tolerance policy' towards such behaviour and were 'deeply disappointed by the incident.'
'We are aware of an incident after a game on Sunday afternoon that involved an ambulance being called due to an altercation between two members of visiting clubs,' the football club said in a statement to the New Zealand Herald.
'We maintain a zero-tolerance policy against poor sideline behaviour and are deeply disappointed by this incident. Auckland United prides itself on creating a safe and supportive environment for all, and incidents of this nature have no place in sport.
'No Auckland United staff witnessed the incident first-hand, and as the police are involved, we will refrain from further comment while the investigation is ongoing.'
Northern Region Football (NRF) chief executive Laura Menzies described the incident as 'shocking' and added 'everyone should feel safe' at football events.
The park is located just to the south-east of Auckland city centre, with the event being hosted by Auckland United
'We have reached out to the three clubs involved to offer support while the incident is under police investigation,' Menzies said.
Papakura FC issued a statement to the New Zealand Herald, stating: 'We were deeply saddened to hear of the alleged events that occurred after one of our Junior Girls teams attended a festival over the weekend. Our sympathies go out to all involved.
'Papakura City FC does not condone behaviour that has no place in sports. As the incident is under police investigation, we are waiting for reports with the full and accurate information before we begin our own internal process.'
The coach is said to be recovering at home, with Ellerslie telling the outlet that they are supporting both the football coach and her team emotionally.