A man is accused of assaulting a referee at a Jackson County football game.

Johnny Gilliam, who is from Stevenson, was arrested for a felony charge of third-degree assault.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says the alleged incident happened on Friday at the game between North Jackson and Arab.

According to the sheriff’s office, Gilliam turned himself in on Monday and was released from the county jail after he posted bond.

Deputies also say under a law designed to protect sports officials in Alabama, the charge could become a felony. Jail records show Johnny Gilliam turned himself in Monday afternoon, on a simple assault charge. He was released two hours later. Deputies say this is a Stevenson police case and any further questions would have to be answered by them. We haven't heard back just yet. A North Jackson football coach referred us to the principal. We asked him how bad the ref's injuries were, how he is doing now and what lead up to the confrontation. The principal would not provide any comment.