Cut your locks or forfeit the match...ultimatum to teen wrestler sparks backlash

United States (US) authorities are reviewing an incident in which a referee reportedly told a high-school wrestler in the state of New Jersey that he would have to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit a match.

Teenager Andrew Johnson chose to have his hair cut at the venue and went on to win his bout for Buena Regional High School.

Video of the incident was posted on Twitter and quickly went viral, with some users accusing referee Alan Maloney of racial discrimination.

Some of Maloney’s colleagues have, however, come to his defence, pointing out that in this case he was following the rules for the sport.

The New Jersey civil rights division says it will review the incident.

Further, the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association has recommended that Maloney not be allowed to officiate any more games until a review is completed.

In 2016, Maloney was accused of making a racial slur to a black colleague.

Johnson was reportedly given just seconds to make up his mind before the bout in Mays Landing, southern New Jersey.

The video, which was viewed by millions since it was posted on Friday, shows Johnson’s hair being cut by a coach or trainer.

The student wrestler won the contest in overtime to help his school to victory over Oakcrest High School.

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