Near Assault From A Teenager

[standard_bum]

I run the line for my son's football team. I made a call for an offence and was then verbally abused by the offending player of the opposing team who was 15 years old. I am 40+. He was a big lad and was certainly taller than me at 5' 8". After the game I was approached by this teenager who appeared to be seeking a violent outcome. As the teenager approached me in a very aggressive manner, I backed away but he kept approaching me. I then poked him in the chest with my two fingers merely to prevent him getting any closer and requested he back off. He then started shouting at me in a more aggressive manner. It looked like he was then going to attack me when he was stopped by his teammates and our own team manager. If he had struck me and I retaliated as to defend myself, would I have been in trouble? Other than trying to walk away from an attack, which I was trying to do, what else could I have done to prevent an attack?

[EDDIE51]

No point now but he should have been sent off by the ref for abusing an official.
I do not see what more you could have done under the circumstances, but retaliating would have put you in the wrong.

[woofgang]

well IMO, touching him didn't help, especially as you touched him before he touched you. Sadly I think there is nothing that you could do to prevent an attack if the aggressor is determined. I would however have turned away and walked away but headed towards the crowd rather than away from it.

[tonywiltshire]

The teenager is not able to assault you and is over the age of criminal responsibility (10), you are permitted to defend yourself using the minimum of force, you may wish to report the matter to the police who may not appear interested or you may wish to take civil action against the teenager, but remember if he has no money there is little point in taking action unless if occurs again. In which case you should walk away and report the matter to the police.

[KristalB]

this is very easy to say in the cold light of the day so to speak, but if you have any further aggressive behaviour do not poke,touch,or shove the aggressive person as if he then thumps you he can claim self-defence. Put up your hand in front of you, say something like 'I'm not getting drawn into a fight with you please back off or I will be reporting your behaviour to the Police' then turn away and walk away. Like I say, easier said than done.

[standard_bum]

Many thanks for all your answers - I am now better equipped to respond to this if it happens again.