Soccer: Assistant ref suspended

Assistant referee Paul Cook has been suspended for three rounds of the New Zealand Football Championship over an altercation with a player during a match between Canterbury United and Manawatu in Christchurch on February 7.

New Zealand Football said yesterday Cook will be suspended until March 15 for his part in an incident involving Manawatu player Cory Chettleburgh.

At the time of the incident, Chettleburgh received a red card for violent conduct and has since received a three-match suspension.

Chettleburgh claimed the official came on to the field and pushed him in the face.