A REFEREE from Ashburton who was attacked during a game in the town six weeks ago has now revealed: 'I won't be quitting the game.'

Former mayor and serving town councillor Don Distin had been giving serious thought to turning his back on the beautiful game after it turned ugly in Ashburton Reserves' home match against Torre FC on May 3 at Chuley Road.

He was taken to hospital with serious facial injuries after being assaulted on the pitch as he tried to show a red card to one of the visiting team's players.