A REFEREE who was hospitalised after being punched by a player during a match in Ashburton says the game will probably be his last.
Former Mayor Don Distin, 49, was officiating an amateur football match between Torre FC and Ashburton FC Reserves when he was felled by a single punch.
Police are investigating the incident which happened 30 minutes into the match on Saturday.
The electrician and Ashburton councillor was rushed to Torbay Hospital with a suspected fractured jaw.
On Monday Mr Distin said: "The bruising is so much worse today. The police are still investigating the incident, and other allegations involving Torre at Stoke Fleming on Thursday.
"After that the League and Devon County Football Association will carry out their own investigation."
He says the incident has left him feeling 'despondent' about the state of the game he loves.
He added: "I had an x-ray at the hospital and at the present time they can't see any fracture and there is just bruising and trauma.
"But I can't open my right eye and there is a lot of bruising around it and swelling to my cheek.
"It is difficult to eat and I am a bit despondent."
Mr Distin has been a referee for 13 years and thinks players are showing less respect than ever before towards officials.
"This could be the last time I referee and I am seriously contemplating stopping," he said.
"I have received a lot of texts and messages from people wishing me well and that is much appreciated."
He says his main regret is that he will not be able to referee a South Devon cup final next week.
"I do it for the love of football," he added.
"We get a match fee and expenses but it is really because I love the game."
Mr Distin, a retained firefighter, only officiated in the match so he could also be on-call in his home town should a blaze occur.
"This meant that I was not available which effectively put lives at risk," he said.
