Father Accused of Punching Coach During Son's Soccer Game

A St. Johnsbury, Vermont, man is facing a charge of disorderly conduct accusing him of punching a youth soccer coach during a game.

Donald Hjelm has been cited to appear in court on Nov. 3.

The Caledonian Record reports the 53-year-old Hjelm is accused of punching volunteer coach Todd Smith in the face during a game involving third- and fourth-graders on Sept. 20 at the St. Johnsbury School.

Hjelm's lawyer, David Sleigh, says according to witnesses, Smith made derogatory comments about a spectator's son, who was playing on the opposing team.

Smith, the publisher of the Caledonian-Record, says Hjelm's actions were "indefensible." He says in his 20-year involvement with local youth sports, he's never made a derogatory remark about a child.

Smith was not injured.