Refs boycott junior league after official ‘assaulted’

REFEREES have decided to boycott a junior league after claims a teenage official was assaulted by parents during a match over the weekend.

The South Wales FA is understood to have launched an investigation into the alleged incident, which is believed to have occurred during an under 15s match on Saturday.

In a statement published on social media, a spokesperson for the Bridgend Referees Society said the young official had been subjected to ‘unacceptable’ verbal abuse before then being followed to the changing room and then allegedly assaulted.

“Over the past few months we have seen a number of issues relating to junior football and the behaviour of players, coaches and above all parents or spectators, who appear to think it is acceptable to abuse match officials,” the statement began.

“This abhorrent behaviour has no place in our sport.

“We have been made aware of an incident today at an under 15s game where a young referee was abused pitch-side, followed to their changing room, prevented from leaving the ground and then assaulted by parents of the losing club.

“This will not be tolerated and we feel strong action is needed.

“The matter is with the Football Association and we urge them to take strong action against those responsible.

It’s not yet known where the incident occurred, with the society declining to comment further when approached by WalesOnline.

However, they say that their members will no longer officiate under-15s games until action is taken.

The statement continued: “In the meantime, as a society collective, members have decided to withdraw their services from under-15s football until a satisfactory outcome is reached and the behaviours and attitudes towards match officials change for the better.

“We will of course continue to support the young referee following this unacceptable incident.

“We would like to place on record our thanks to the Referees Officer and South Wales FA for their support also.”

A representative for the South Wales FA could not be reached for comment, but the Twitter account for the SWFA’s referee officer wrote in response to the society’s statement: “Very concerned to hear of this and another issue in the SWFA at Junior football today.

“Officials have my full support and that of their colleagues and societies. Clubs need to take action.”