I find it odd that an allegation of assault was made by a member of the public and not by the injured party, but it was an act of violence resulting in an injury, so that surely constitutes an assault, and as he's admitted responsibility for it he should be charged.
i would suggest it is an over reaction, it was an incredibly stupid thing to do, but i don't think he meant to assault the official. He has received a large fine and lost the match by default, not just losing more money but a shot at the title. He apologised to the official and apart from his fine, that should be the end of it.
AOG, would you say the same about footballers, who often behave as badly if not worse, should they also be banned for life? Sure their clubs would have something to say about that.
It was a stupid thing to do, as i am sure the player realises, but sportsmen are passionate people and do foolish things in the heat of the moment which they later regret (apart fom Balotelli and Barton of course!) so the fine and loss of the title chance should be seen as punishment enough.
He was worked up and kicked a hoarding, in the process a line judge gets a nick that needs a band aid.
Anybody would think hed attacked the guy and put him in hospital.
he said sorry , end of.
For Funks Sake get over it
The whole situation is pathetic and shows the PC' ish overreaction to the slightest thing.