Man, 80, Charged In Assault Of High School Basketball Referee

BEAVER FALLS (KDKA) – An 80-year-old Beaver County man is accused of assaulting a high school basketball referee.

The incident happened at the Geneva College Field House where Aliquippa took on Lincoln Park in a state scholastic playoff game on March 15.

It was hard fought with Aliquippa winning in a game filled with controversial calls.

After the game, 80-year-old Louis Rivetti says he admits he confronted referee Mark Tortorella, telling him Aliquippa won despite his calls.

Rivetti wouldn't talk to KDKA on camera, but off camera, he denies assaulting the ref.

He says, "I'll be 81 in two months, who the hell am I going to assault?"

But a police report claims Rivetti struck the ref in the face, trying to knock him to the ground.

Rivetti is now facing a list of charges including, assaulting a sports official, attempted simple assault and disorderly conduct.

He was taken away in handcuffs, which Rivetti says were so tight he started bleeding. But police say the bleeding was a result of the assault.

Aliquippa Police didn't respond to KDKA's requests for an interview.

Rivetti has a hearing next month.