Parents, Kids Attack Ref After Lithonia Youth Basketball Game: Report

LITHONIA, GA — A youth basketball game at a church in Lithonia ended in a fight that left a referee with serious injuries, according to a report from WSB-TV Atlanta.

The referee was taken to a hospital after he was attacked by parents and players, according to the report. His status is unknown.

Video of the incident shows multiple adults and kids confronting the referee following the final buzzer of the game before he runs and then defends himself. The ref is overtaken by a crowd of people, who appear to repeatedly punch and kick him while he is on the ground.

Stronghold Church Senior Pastor Benjamin Gather described the fight as "truly unfortunate" in a post to the church's Facebook page Monday and said the church's purpose in hosting basketball games and other events for the community is to "provide an atmosphere for enjoyment and enrichment."

"While we cannot control people, it is our hope and prayer that those who enter our facility will conduct themselves in the best manner," Gather said. "Our prayers go out to all those involved in this current situation."