One of our sixth formers, Ali, is a qualified youth football referee and has had the great courage not only to undertake this often thankless task in order to allow many youngsters the opportunity to enjoy ‘the beautiful game’, but also to stand up against the abuse and unpleasantness that can be directed against him and his fellow officials. Do read this article in which he features at the end. He is to be interviewed for BBC news as part of an exposee due for release on the 6pm and 10pm national news in the near future. He hopes to talk about experiences of abuse as a referee in youth football, and how important it is for there to be respect for referees in grassroots football. We very much hope his voice will be heard.
Being an amateur referee: your stories of threats and attacks, but a love of the game
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46208857
