Football ref axed for flagging middle school band

GARLAND, Texas A Dallas-area middle school band has received an apology after being silenced by a referee for playing during a football game.

Garland Independent School District spokesman Chris Moore said Thursday that the referee will never again officiate in the district.

The referee's name hasn't been released. The Texas Association of Sports Officials declined comment.

Moore says the Hudson Middle School band was wrongly flagged Tuesday while playing fellow district school Jackson. Hudson, as home team, could have its band present.

The referee before halftime threw a flag and warned Hudson would be penalized if the music continued. Moore says the band director decided the students should leave.

Moore doesn't know what prompted the flag and says Jackson's coach had not complained. Hudson won 14-6.

A district athletic official apologized Wednesday.