University of Portsmouth research supports referees’ calls for harsher sentences after rise in assaults on officials
Paul Field, who heads the organisation, has subsequently written to the Sentencing Council and submitted a report to suggest changes to the guidelines to increase penalties for assaults on football referees and all other sports officials.
The report included research conducted by the University of Portsmouth which found 45 per cent of match officials in England across rugby league, rugby union and cricket feel verbal abuse in general had increased.
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Hide AdThe referee’s chief also cited two incidents last weekend in which there were reports of football referees being assaulted.
Mr Field commented: ‘I am convinced one day a match official in any sport will be assaulted and either seriously injured or killed. The warning signs are there and we have to do something. Doing nothing is not an option.’