Brawl After NJ High School Soccer Game Under Investigation

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A star soccer player assaulted a photographer after a game between rival North Jersey prep schools Saturday, a report said.

NJ.com reported that a player in the Saturday soccer game between Jersey City schools grabbed a photographer by the throat after the game during a fight between the two teams after the match.

St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Jersey City released a statement Monday saying they are investigating the allegation.

"St. Benedict’s Prep is aware of the incident that occurred following Saturday’s soccer match, in which one of our players is reported to have engaged in an altercation with a member of the media," said the statement from school spokesperson Larry Geraghty.

"While we are still gathering all the facts, we take this matter extremely seriously and are treating it with the utmost priority and care," he added. "Our coaching staff, athletic department, and school leaders are actively reviewing eyewitness accounts, video footage, and statements from all parties involved."

He said, "We are conducting an internal investigation in accordance with our policies to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability."

Mike Cherenson, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association, said Monday, "NJSIAA is aware of the incident and is gathering reports from all parties involved. We take these matters very seriously."

He did not provide further information, but said he would release more details if they become available.

St. Benedict's said they are in communication with the NJSIAA about the probe.

According to the NJ.com report, the game between two powerhouse private schools — St. Peter's Prep and St. Benedict's Prep — ended in a tie. A fight broke out on the field afterward, and a St. Benedict's star player grabbed an Advance Media photographer who was taking photos, in order to stop him.

The report cites the photographer and says he declined to involve police.

Patch has reached out to Jersey City police and St. Peter's Prep as well, will update this story if more information becomes available.

The NJ.com story is here.