The Manitoba Soccer Association has banned a player for 15 years after he allegedly assaulted a referee.

Branko Dukic from the Winnipeg-Croatia team cannot play soccer with the MSA until May 29, 2029. The MSA listed the decision on its website.

The incident happened in late May at the Vince Leah Recreation Centre.

A witness on the opposing team told CTV that Dukic punched a referee in the face after receiving a second yellow card. The referee was knocked unconscious and had to be taken to hospital.