Man accused of referee assault back in court

Tama Fasavalu. Photo / Facebook

A former Samoan international footballer, accused of breaking a referee's jaw during a match in Auckland, reappeared in court this morning.

Tama Fasavalu, 36, is charged with wounding with intent to injure, after allegedly assaulting volunteer referee Len Gattsche after being sent off in a fiery Anzac Day clash against Tauranga City.

Fasavalu was playing for Manukau City at the time of the alleged offence but has since been suspended indefinitely from the club.

He appeared briefly this morning in the Manukau District Court, and had his case adjourned to next month.

Fasavalu was earlier ordered to surrender his passport and reside at a Mangere address as part of his bail conditions.

The 1.90 metre Fasavalu played three games for Samoa and scored two goals in a World Cup qualifying match in 2004.

Mr Gattsche underwent surgery to fix his jaw and was released from Middlemore Hospital in late April.

The ref, who has at least 15 years' experience, was unlikely to return to the sport and his wife said he would not be able to eat solid food for at least two months after the surgery.