Red card warning over Shropshire referee abuse

Pub footballers and fans in Shropshire were today warned action would be taken if they abuse referees on and off the pitch, it was revealed today.

Referees in grassroots games have complained that they are faced with aggressive and often slanderous abuse both while the games are in progress and afterwards online on internet discussion forums.

Shropshire FA spokesman Neil Sambrook said abuse of referees was an ongoing problem.

He said: "I'm afraid, right across the board, from the very top to the very bottom, referees get hassle, but it's what that hassle becomes.

"If it becomes abusive the authorities have to take action. Shropshire FA has always come down very firmly on the abuse of referees.

"It's a constant problem because referees are in the position where they make decisions which 50 per cent of people agree with and 50 per cent don't.

"They have a very difficult job and deserve our respect for doing it."

It has also been reported that Telford Sunday League has warned clubs about behaviour towards officials.

It follows reports at the weekend that a policeman who officiates in the Telford Sunday League has called for the FA to investigate abuse suffered by officials.

Telford Sunday League official Glen Robson has now warned players and supporters.

He said: "Personalising or insulting comments are not acceptable to the Telford Sunday League management.

"They often contravene local, county and national FA codes of conduct and may well result in clubs facing charges of bringing the game into disrepute.Such comments will not, and should not, be tolerated.

"Please consider the impact of offensive and insulting posts on the individuals concerned, the reputation of your league and the reputation of your club."

See also:

• Leader: Grassroots football threatened by abuse of referees