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 and 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 certainly one of the best umpires in Australia so for that assault to happen to him, or anyone else 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.
“So many big names will be there, including Socceroos like Craig Foster and Mark Bosnich,” he said.
“It’s going to be a wonderful family day for a great cause.”
Grateful to be receiving the support, Khodr said it was fantastic 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.
