FOOTY referee Khodr Yaghi and Australasian Soccer Academy’s Tony Basha are looking forward to the ‘Stamp Out Violence On The Field’ fundraiser, with soccer legends starring, at Eric Tweedale Stadium on June 18.
SOCCER legends are coming to town in June to help raise support for referee Khodr Yaghi and his family after the umpire’s jaw was broken in three places during an alleged assault by a suspended player at a match in April.
Two fundraiser matches, one fielded by umpires and the other including ex-National Soccer League and Subway Socceroos players, will be held at Merrylands’ Eric Tweedale Stadium on Sunday, June 18, from 1pm.
One of the organisers, Australasian Soccer Academy’s Tony Basha is looking forward to welcoming all of the football family and anyone who wants to support the cause to ‘Stamp Out Violence On The Field’.
“We are sick of misbehaviour towards officials and player fights,” he said.
“Hopefully this event will help us raise awareness as well as funds for the Yaghi family since Khodr will be out of action for months.”
Saying the State Government considering life bans for aggression was a step in the right direction, Tony said he’d known Khodr for years since he was an MPL coach and Khodr was an MPL referee.
“Khodr is one of the best umpires in Australia so for that assault to happen to him, or anyone for that matter, is disgraceful,” Tony said.
Entry to the event costs $5, free for children under 11, with a sausage sizzle, canteen snacks and drinks and even a jumping castle.
“Councillor Joe Rahme is donating all his coffee van sales and so many big names will be there, including Socceroos like Craig Foster and Mark Bosnich.
“It’s going to be a wonderful family day for a great cause.”
Grateful to be receiving the support, Khodr said it was a fantastic feeling knowing so many in the community were behind him.
“I’m looking forward to the day and enjoying the games and I want to thank everyone involved from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
Footy legends on way to fundraiser
