Surrey referee opens up on match day abuse
It comes as the FA is set to trial body cams in adult grassroots games
A trial allowing referees to wear body cams in adult grassroots games is expected to be rolled out in the new year.
It's hoped they will act as a deterrent against physical and verbal abuse often directed towards match officials.
Scotty McLellan is a volunteer match official who also works as the media officer at Sheerwater FC in Woking.
He is a supporter of body cams to be worn during adult games to try and cut down on the treatment referees are often subjected to, but he doesn't completely agree with the use of them.
McLellan explained what abuse he has dealt with in the past, which even led to him taking a break from officiating for a period of five months and his thoughts on the body cams initiative.
"The verbal abuse is sadly a natural part of everyday life and what my County FA said is it’s become a natural part of the game, so you just have to cope with it," McLellan said.
"Everything from being tailgated on the way home from a match by a player to a totally different match which ended basically in all 22 players fighting, punching, blood everywhere.
"A player had his fists clenched, threatened to kill me, threatened to hit me and so on, he looked like he was just about to swing for me and then literally three players are seen to be holding him back.
"It’s good to see body cams being rolled out to adult football however I do have some concerns if it was ever rolled out in youth football, to under 18 football, because I’m very strong about safeguarding."