“I know he's a kid. I know people make mistakes,” Bistrek told News Center 7’s Molly Koweek in an interview Friday evening in Tipp City, where he was to work a high school football game.
“Unfortunately, you have to learn from your mistakes,” he said.
The longtime veteran official who has worked basketball, baseball for 21 years and volleyball returned to the football field about a week ago.
He said he believes the Dunbar player, now charged with one count of delinquency by reason of felonious assault causing serious physical harm, should be banned from all sports for the rest of the year.
WATCH: Player head-butts referee at Dunbar football game
Bistrek said he relives the head-butt daily and now becomes nervous when he puts on the official's stripes, which he said happens 330 of 365 days a year.
“I envision that hit to my head every day,” he said. “It’s still fresh.”
Bistrek said he still suffers from headaches, but his wife helps him cope.
“I’m doing good,” he said. “I've never had a concussion before. It’s no joke.”
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