Reports say that police in Georgia are investigating an attack that followed a youth basketball game. The incident occurred at a church athletic facility, as multiple adults and players joined in on hitting and kicking the referee who was rushed to a hospital after sustaining injuries.

Photo Courtesy: Donald Miralle /Allsport/Getty Images
Photo Courtesy: Donald Miralle /Allsport/Getty Images
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According to reports, a basketball referee in Lithonia, Georgia was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries after being attacked by adults and players. The incident reportedly happened at the Stronghold Christian Church athletic facility and video from the moment has since gone viral.

The buzzer sounded, the game had ended, but emotions were running at a high level when multiple adults plus some team members began approaching a referee.

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As the referee realized what was happening, he attempted to get away from the group that was pressing on towards him. Unfortunately, there were simply too many bodies surrounding him as the referee was eventually backed into a corner and forced to the ground.

Twitter via @NoPauseTv
Twitter via @NoPauseTv
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A barrage of punches and kicks were thrown at the game-official, as onlookers watched helplessly. The scuffle was so disruptive, it actually spilled onto another court and caused that game to come to a stop. Multiple witnesses watched from the balconies above as the attack unfolded.

The report added a quote from the pastor of the church who said in a statement:

It is truly unfortunate about the turn of events that took place during the basketball game held at our facility this weekend. While we cannot control people, it is our hope and prayer that those who enter our facility will conduct themselves in the best manner.

Another statement came from a former professional basketball player and now youth basketball development coach, Parris Cherry, who reportedly stated:

I was appalled. It was a very scary video. To see the adults instigate and then the kids follow up to the point where it was the kids who chased down the referee at the end of the video, it’s just disgusting. And it seems like there wasn’t any adult trying to break it up.

Church League Referee Attacked after Basketball Game

See the video from @NoPauseTv on Twitter below.

The report says that the referee's condition is currently unknown and that it is still unclear on if any adults or children involved will face charges.

Reactions to the video via Twitter below.

Hopefully, the referee involved is doing alright following this attack. Unfortunately, it is instances like these that make it tougher to facilitate group activities like sports for the youth.

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