A high school soccer referee who was knocked to the ground by a Steubenville player during a tournament game earlier this week is speaking publicly for the first time, revealing the extent of his injuries and calling for greater accountability and protection for sports officials.
Jonathan Cross, an Ohio High School Athletic Association referee who has officiated since 2013, released a statement following the Oct. 27 incident during a Division III district semifinal matchup between Steubenville and New Philadelphia.
Cross said he suffered rib contusions and a neck sprain in the collision and is recovering at home.
“While I am grateful that my injuries were not more serious, this incident has been physically painful and emotionally difficult,” Cross said.
Video of the incident, which has circulated widely on social media, shows an official preparing to issue a red card to a Steubenville player when another player runs toward him and makes forceful contact, knocking him to the ground.
The incident prompted an investigation by the OHSAA, which has been working with Steubenville school officials to determine appropriate disciplinary action. Jordan Miller has learned a police report was filed regarding the incident.
In his statement, Cross thanked those who have reached out with prayers and well wishes but said he wanted to use the incident to address a larger issue affecting officials across high school athletics.
“Referee abuse has absolutely no place in soccer or any sport,” Cross said.
Cross emphasized that referees are members of the same communities as the athletes and families they serve, often dedicating their time to officiating because of their passion for sports.
“No call, decision, disagreement, or outcome of a game ever justifies physical violence against an official,” Cross said. “Verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, and physical assaults should never be accepted as simply part of the game.”
He warned that continued mistreatment of officials could discourage people from officiating, potentially threatening the future of organized athletics.
“If we continue to tolerate this behavior, we risk losing the very people who make organized sports possible,” Cross said. “Nobody should have to worry about their personal safety simply because they agreed to referee a soccer match.”
The OHSAA previously indicated it would seek significant disciplinary action in response to the incident.
OHSAA Director of Communications Tim Stried told Jordan Miller News that the association had been in contact with Steubenville officials regarding the school’s response.
“The school has indicated that punishment will be significant, which the OHSAA agrees with,” Stried said in an earlier statement.
Stried also emphasized the seriousness of the incident, saying physical violence against an official is among the most severe offenses involving players, coaches or spectators.
The school district has acknowledged taking disciplinary action following its review of the incident but has not publicly disclosed the specific punishment, citing student privacy protections.
New Philadelphia defeated Steubenville 2-1 in the tournament matchup.
Cross said he hopes the incident leads to meaningful changes in how officials are treated and protected, including stronger accountability and a renewed commitment to sportsmanship from athletes, coaches, parents and athletic organizations.
Despite the physical and emotional toll, Cross said he hopes to return to officiating once he has recovered.
“I appreciate everyone’s support and look forward to recovering and eventually getting back to doing what I love,” Cross said.
He concluded his statement with a message directed toward the broader sports community:
“Respect the game. Respect the officials. Stop referee abuse.”
