Shropshire MP calls for lifetime bans for those who threaten football referees

Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, asked sports minister Stephanie Peacock to hold talks with the Home Office and the Football Association about the possibility of introducing lifetime club bans for people convicted of threatening referees, players, and their families with violence.

Mr Pritchard, a keen footballer who was briefly on Hereford United's books, said he was concerned about rising violence in the grassroots game.

He said the latest data from the FA showed a 32 per cent year-on-year rise in reported assaults or attempted assaults on match officials.

Mr Pritchard said there were 95 allegations of assaults and attempted assaults during the 2023-24m season, compared to 72  the season before.

The total number of serious offence allegations against match officials, which also include verbal abuse and threats, as well as well as physical assaults, rose 17 per cent 1,451 to 1,716 over the same period.

In February 2023, the FA began a trial of referees wearing body cameras in adult grassroots football, with the aim of reducing physical and verbal abuse of referees.

He said: "Sometimes the beautiful game can still get ugly.

"There should be no place in amateur or professional football for violence or threatening behaviour by - or towards - referees, players, fans or parents.  Sadly, abuse is still far too common.  I hope the FA and local clubs take action to call it out and sanction those involved."

Miss Peacock replied that football clubs had a right to ban individual supporters from attending matches or accessing club facilities, and had a responsibility to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans. 

"These bans are a decision to be taken at club level," she said.

"Convictions may also result in football banning orders which are a court decision to prevent violence or disorder at, or in connection with, regulated football matches. 

"An individual with a banning order is prevented from attending all regulated matches in the UK and can be required to surrender their passport to police before overseas matches and tournaments."

In 2023 the Professional Footballers’ Association sought legal advice over whether players attacked by supporters can use reasonable force to defend themselves.

In one of the most notorious cases in recent years, a Birmingham City supporter was failed for 14 weeks after attacking Jack Grealish, then playing for Aston Villa, during a clash between the two clubs in 2019.