TOMS RIVER, N.J. >> Authorities say a youth football coach has been attacked by the father of one of his players after a game in southern New Jersey.

Toms River police say the 46-year-old parent was charged with simple assault following the altercation, which was reported around 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

The 45-year-old male coach says the parent ran across the field toward him and tackled him. The two men then fought on the ground until bystanders separated them.

The coach says the attack was unprovoked. The parent says he acted in self-defense when the coach “took an aggressive stance,” but authorities say witnesses told them the parent was the sole aggressor.

The altercation came after the coach told his players that their season was over because of their ongoing poor sportsmanship and bad attitudes.