Grassroots referee chased by man after match on Portland
Referee’s union 'disgusted but not surprised' by incident at an under 18s game
A referee’s union worries that one a day a match official “could get killed” for officiating a grassroots football match.
The statement comes after a video surfaced on Sunday showing ‘a non-uniformed official’ chasing a referee in a game between Portland United u18s and Merely Cobham u18s.
Martin Cassidy from Referee Support UK said:
“It doesn't even surprise me anymore but what’s particularly shocking is that there are young adults recording this and finding it really funny, which doesn’t make us feel positive about the next generation of footballers.”
Portland United FC said they are aware of the incident that took place at the Camp & Satherley Stadium on Sunday 24th and are currently investigating within the club and with the Dorset FA.
They issued the following statement:
“Portland United will not tolerate this action and has forwarded evidence collected at the game to the relevant governing body.”
The Dorset FA confirmed with us that the incident is now being investigated by police.
Mr Cassidy told us refereeing youth games is “the worst part of football” and wishes parents would “control their emotions.”
He said: “Many people are very keen to have a go at a referee, but not many people are keen to have a go at refereeing. Why on earth do you think it is appropriate to abuse an individual over an amateur sport.
“Parents are horrible, they have no forgiveness for any refereeing mistake and until that changes, refereeing football matches will stay the same.”
In the last few years, the FA has “upped their game” in a bid to protect referees. The governing body has rolled out bodycam trials and implemented points deductions for teams who repeatedly hurl abuse at referees.
Mr Cassidy praised the FA’s action but urges spectators to be better: “Our game has got a terminal disease and it’s called referee abuse and if we don't get hold of it, there aren’t going to be any referees left.”