Soccer scuffle hits the courts

Friday, Sept. 29, 2000 | 9:57 a.m.

A Las Vegas referee contends a player punched him in the face during an adult soccer game in March 1999.

Charles Ajuziem said he was hired to referee a Las Vegas Major Soccer League game at the Community College of Southern Nevada's Cheyenne campus.

Las Vegas attorney Gayle Nathan, who represents Ajuziem, said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that Luis Sandoval punched her client in the eye.

Ajuziem is seeking unspecified damages from Sandoval on grounds that include assault and battery. He is seeking damages from the soccer league on grounds that include negligence and breach of contract. The league did not provide security despite earlier incidents in which game officials were assaulted by players and fans, according to the lawsuit.

Neither Sandoval nor the soccer league could be reached for comment.

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