Big West to Investigate Fight at End of Titan Soccer Game

The Big West Conference plans to investigate a bench-clearing brawl that occurred at the end of Thursday night’s soccer game between Cal State Fullerton and host Nevada Las Vegas, Commissioner Jim Haney said.

In the final minute of the Rebels’ 4-3 victory, a penalty kick by the Titans’ Raul Haro was blocked, and a UNLV player cleared the ball toward midfield, where Fullerton’s John Gerardo and UNLV’s Thies Carsten battled for possession in front of the Rebels’ bench.

According to Chris Johnson, UNLV assistant sports information director who was at the game, Gerardo threw a forearm into Carsten’s head, precipitating a fight in which he said both benches cleared.

Johnson said the melee lasted for about 30 seconds. Titan Coach Al Mistri, who said he did not see Gerardo hit Carsten, thought the fight lasted about a minute.

There were no serious injuries, but according to Mistri, referee Majid Jay terminated the game with about 10 seconds left. Mistri said one of his players, Brian Lou, suffered a bloody nose, and Dino Torres received a blow to the head. Johnson said it was a very physical game that included several heated exchanges.

Haney said he will ask athletic directors from both schools to file a report sometime next week and said both teams could face disciplinary action.