College football player punches referee

A college football player in the US is facing a five year ban, after he was arrested for punching a referee during a game.

Mt. San Antonio offensive linesman Bernard Schirmer was booted from the game after a brazen display of unsportsmanlike conduct brought the game against Ventura College to a halt.

Police arrested the freshman after shuffling through game footage that appears to show Schirmer clobbering the referee on the 20-yard line at the Ventura College Sportsplex.

The clip shows the referee pushing the 6-foot-5 and 270-pound player back to his huddle when Schirmer allegedly threw a powerful punch while surrounded by his teammates in white and red jerseys.

The blow knocked the referee to the ground with his arms and legs spread across the field.

California Community College Athletic Association bylaws state that striking an official is punishable by a five-year ban.