Football staff hangs up boots after referee attacked in on-pitch yob squabble
A yob football team has been broken up after a referee was attacked at a game – and causing embattled officials to go on strike for this weekend’s games.
The refs will refuse to pick up their whistles and cards for games across three grassroots leagues due to the abuse by players. It comes after one official was allegedly left with broken ribs after officiating a fiery clash between rival sides Elite Eleven FC and Rumney Dragons FC in Cardiff.
Six yellow cards were dished out by the ref who was “attacked” at the end of the grudge game which the Dragons lost 1-0. Police are investigating.
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Rumney Dragons chairman Kyle Bartlett said the team would fold following the bust-up which he described as the “final straw”. He said that although he “didn’t really know what happened” the “club has folded after the incident” which police are investigating.
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One regular parks official said: “People used to complain about yobs on the terraces – but now we are seeing yobs on the pitch too. Refs have had enough and it is good that this team are breaking up.”
The Cardiff Referees Association said it “decided to take action” following the attack at the ground in St Mellons, Cardiff, last weekend.
The association said: “Our members are concerned about the increase in match abandonments and most recently the assault of a referee. The deteriorating behaviour on and off the pitch cannot continue. It is hoped this unprecedented action will help send a clear message.”
They added: “Cardiff Referee’s Society stands against all forms of abuse towards match officials. After recent events we as a society will take a stand this weekend. Our thoughts continue to be with one of our members after the events of last weekend.”
It said the action will impact matches in the Cardiff and District, Cardiff Combination and Lazarou Cardiff Sunday League leagues on 2 and 3 November.
The South Wales Football Association said it condemned violence but that it could not comment on individual cases. It said: “Police action is still outstanding which is preventing us dealing with the matter through the football disciplinary process, and will work with all football and law enforcement agency’s to make football a safe environment for all.”
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