Father and son football referees in anthem protest resign

MONROE, N.J. – A father and son who were to officiate a high school football game but walked off the field after members of one team knelt during the national anthem have resigned.

The New Jersey Football Officials Association accepted the resignation of Ernie and Anthony Lunardelli that they submitted at the end of the 2017 season.

The resignation effectively ends an investigation that the group launched when the pair told officials from Colts Neck and Monroe high schools before the Oct. 27 game that they would not officiate if any players protested. They were replaced after four Monroe players took a knee on their home field.

Association past chairman Scott Heiser tells the Home News Tribune he can’t imagine a scenario in which they’ll ever officiate another high school game.

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Information from: Home News Tribune (East Brunswick, N.J.) , http://www.mycentraljersey.com