MOUNT CARMEL, Pa. — Police say 40-year-old Rolando Robles became irate following a call made by officials at a Mount Carmel Area Tornadoes youth football game on Sunday at the Mount Carmel Area Silver Bowl Stadium.
Investigators say when one of the coaches walked over to Robles to calm him down, Robles punched him.
"And he proceeded to spit on the coach and then jumped up over the rail of the home bleachers onto the field, and attack the coach; during the altercation, several other parents and coaches got involved to try to deescalate the situation and get the gentleman to leave the field," said Chief Brian Hollenbush, Mount Carmel Police Department.
Authorities say Robles' wife, 44-year-old Iris Robles, also became upset at the call. She allegedly also tried to assault the coach but was pulled away. As she was leaving the field, police say she punched one of the cheer coaches in the face.
"After that, both of them were escorted out into the parking lot here, and that's when the police showed up; during the police interaction of trying to deescalate the situation, the male decided he was going to flee on foot, after a short chase of foot and cars he was apprehended, and they were both remanded to Northumberland County Jail," said Chief Hollenbush.
The couple remains locked up after failing to post bail. Rolando Robles is facing a slew of charges including assault on a sports official. Iris Robles faces aggravated assault and related charges. Cindy Shriner says she heard about the fight on Facebook.
"It's only a game for kids, let them have some fun and enjoy themselves you know cause what's the sense in doing that, cause i think that's ridiculous, that's my point of view," said Cindy Shriner, Wilburton.
Residents say it's sad to see this happen at a youth football game.
"Imagine a parent being upset over a bad call and they feel they're questioning the ref, which they shouldn't because the ref knows what he's doing and he should just accept what the ref has to say," said Mary Teresa Ryniak, Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel Township Police and the school district are planning to increase police presence at youth football games.