Manager’s tirade sparks under-7s chaos
OFFICIALS AT the Maccabi GB Junior Football League have begun an investigation over a heated dispute during an under-sevens match.
Spectators watched in amazement as the children’s game descended into chaos on Sunday afternoon, after a team manager allegedly launched into a tirade against watching parents and the referee.
The individual, who is not being named, is said to have been shown a red card but refused to leave the side of the pitch.
Further intervention was required from a second referee.
Another manager, whose team was playing on an adjoining pitch at The Hive in Edgware, north-west London, said: “Our game had to be temporarily suspended because our ref was asked to go and sort it out.”
Similar incidents have previously been reported to the Football Association. Laurence Thorne, chairman of the Maccabi junior league, said he could not comment on the incident because it is “currently going through the correct processes”.
The episode comes less than two weeks after Mr Thorne, who was himself at The Hive when trouble flared on Sunday, spoke to all participating club chairmen.
“I stressed the importance of ensuring that clubs take responsibility in educating their managers and spectators on appropriate behaviour,” he said.
According to Mr Thorne, every club has a code of conduct and the league, which enables 450 Jewish children to play football every week, is signed up to the FA’s Respect campaign.
He said: “The League does not condone nor tolerate bad or intimidating behaviour by any managers or parents and urges everyone to unite in creating a positive and safe environment for our football to take place in.”
Deri Ansher, football club secretary for HMH JYC, did not comment on the incident but said: “All parents and players have to agree to club rules and a code of conduct which are also displayed on our website.
“HMH ensures that the FA Respect Policy is adhered to all times.”
Neither Hendon United Sports Club nor the FA responded to requests to comment on the incident.