Northumberland County couple charged after brawl at youth soccer game

Rolando and Iris Robles face charges after a fight broke out at a youth football game in Mount Carmel on Sunday afternoon.

MOUNT CARMEL, Pa. — Police say Rolando Robles, 40, reacted angrily when officers made a call at a Mount Carmel Area Tornadoes youth football game Sunday at Mount Carmel Area Silver Bowl Stadium.

Investigators say when one of the trainers went to calm Robles down, Robles hit him.

“And then he spit on the coach, jumped over the railing of the home stands onto the field and attacked the coach. During the altercation, several other parents and coaches intervened to de-escalate the situation and get the gentleman to leave the field,” said Chief Brian Hollenbush of the Mount Carmel Police Department.

Authorities say Robles' wife, 44-year-old Iris Robles, was also upset by the call. She also allegedly tried to attack the coach but was pulled away. As she left the field, she punched one of the cheerleading coaches in the face, according to police.

“Afterward, both were escorted to the parking lot here and that's when the police arrived. While police attempted to de-escalate the situation, the man decided to flee on foot. After a short foot and car chase, he was arrested and both were taken to the Northumberland County Jail,” said Police Chief Hollenbush.

The couple remains in custody after failing to post bail. Rolando Robles faces a number of charges, including assault on a sports official. Iris Robles is accused of aggravated assault and related charges. Cindy Shriner says she found out about the fight on Facebook.

“It's just a game for kids. Let them have fun and enjoy themselves, you know, because what's the point of it, I think it's ridiculous, that's my view,” said Cindy Shriner of Wilburton.

Local residents say it is sad to see something like this happen at a youth soccer game.

“Imagine a parent who is upset about a bad call and feels like they should question the referee, but they shouldn't because the referee knows what they're doing and they should just accept what the referee has to say,” said Mary Teresa Ryniak, Mount Carmel.

Mount Carmel Township police and the school district plan to increase police presence at youth football games.