Cricket umpire Tony DeNobrega suffers serious facial injury during match in Perth

An Australian cricket The umpire suffered a “brutal blow” and was taken to hospital this weekend after being hit in the side of the face by a ball struck by a batter.

Tony DeNobrega was refereeing a third division match at the Charles Veryard Reserve in North Perth when “a straight drive straight from the screws” hit him square in the face, the West Australian Suburban Turf Cricket Umpires Association said on Facebook.

Fortunately, DeNobrega had no broken bones, but spent the night in the hospital so doctors could monitor him.

“We wish Tony all the best for a speedy recovery from this terrible incident and look forward to him returning to work soon.”

DeNobrega is not the only referee to be seriously injured while officiating a match, with welfare concerns mounting over the years.