These referees have had enough of this disrespect over our national anthem. So when this football team tried to disrespect the flag, their response shocked everyone.
The father and son, Ernie and Anthony Lunardelli said they told officials from Colts Neck and Monroe high schools before the game that they would not work if any players protested. They were replaced by two officials in training after four Monroe players took a knee on their home field.
The two officials said that they respect the players’ right to protest but believe such acts are disrespectful. The pair stood on the field with their hands on their hearts while the anthem was played, then left immediately.
“I’m not in favor of anyone disrespecting our country, our flag, the armed forces,” Ernie said. “What they’re protesting has nothing to do with the national anthem and I’m against it, so I decided to protest them kneeling and that’s what I did.”
Ernie, who is in his 18th season of officiating scholastic football games, added. “The flag has got nothing to do with why they are protesting. If they want to protest, let them protest, but don’t disrespect our country, the flag and the Armed Forces.”
Ernie Lunardelli was scheduled to work the game as the head linesman, while his son was to be a line judge.
More details of this story from AWM:
Ernie had an inkling that the high school football players would kneel during the game. That’s why he warned the league’s commissions that he would quit if any of the players knelt during a game he officiated. So when the students took a knee, Ernie and his son walked off the field just like they promised they would.
After the Lunardellis walked off the field, they were replaced with two cadets on the chain crew. Ernie does not think the game was official because of that.
“That game should not count now because they did not have the right personnel on the field,” he said. “These kids weren’t officially carded and trained, so they’re putting the kids in jeopardy. I’m not.”
Ernie already has his lawyer on hand to fight the game.
“I have a lawyer already set up because they’re not going to run me out of town,” Ernie said.
Officials who oversee the referees declined to speculate on what action, if any, would be taken against the Lunardellis if either school files a complaint over their refusal to work the game.
Watch the video below for more details:
Source: AWM
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