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Teen players say coach told them to tackle ref

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Two high school American football players facing possible criminal charges for violently tackling a game official said a coach told them to do it (AFP Photo/Doug Pensinger)

Los Angeles (AFP) - Two high school American football players facing possible criminal charges for violently tackling a game official said Friday a coach told them to do it.

Michael Moreno and Victor Rojas, appearing on ABC television's Good Morning America programme with their lawyer, also reiterated claims that the referee in question had used racial slurs -- an allegation he has denied.

Video of the incident sparked outrage this month.