The Ref Stop

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Steve Fall

Steve Fall

Active Member
Level 4 Referee
Hi all,

Not sure many have suffered similar - but Sunday am (18th November) a member of the coaching staff of Team B approached me at the end of the game. Right up into my face, (very aggressively) to inform me he would track me down, find out where I live and Kill me. - Before anyone reminds me - it's all with the local league and FA to deal with the team etc..

I'm ok - just a little shaken before my u18 game in the afternoon - which was a breeze in comparison...

To give you an idea of what happened in the game - the home team were winning and the last play of the game, this individual, was acting as the linesman. He indicated goalkick and I went corner - once this was taken I blew the final whistle for the match. Retreated to where my bag was and he approached me.. The game was a tight game and just a few standard cautions etc.. so no idea why I would recieve death threats..
 
The Ref Stop
This is, I think the worst fear of what could happen to any official, can't imagine how I would do the game in the afternoon if it was me in that situation.

Good for putting it to the FA and hopefully he gets a lengthy/lifetime ban from football, would be a perfect chance for the FA to put the hammer down with the current campaign they put out last week. As usual we are all here if you need anyone else to speak to, and as you said it is just a game he has no right to take any of his anger out on you.
 
I am so sorry you had to experience this. If you feel you are still mentally impacted I would recommend to reach out to relevant referee authorities, or whomever you feel would be suitable, for support.

On a separate note, not sure how the legal system works in England, but if this happens to me here I would also report it to the Police.
 
Steve Fall said:
Hi all,

Not sure many have suffered similar - but Sunday am (18th November) a member of the coaching staff of Team B approached me at the end of the game. Right up into my face, (very aggressively) to inform me he would track me down, find out where I live and Kill me. - Before anyone reminds me - it's all with the local league and FA to deal with the team etc..

I'm ok - just a little shaken before my u18 game in the afternoon - which was a breeze in comparison...

To give you an idea of what happened in the game - the home team were winning and the last play of the game, this individual, was acting as the linesman. He indicated goalkick and I went corner - once this was taken I blew the final whistle for the match. Retreated to where my bag was and he approached me.. The game was a tight game and just a few standard cautions etc.. so no idea why I would recieve death threats..
Click to expand...
As One has said this could easily be a police incident and especially since you have already reported it to the appropriate football authorities, you still have time to go the police. I think you did the right thing by carrying on with you afternoon game. In my view, with anything adverse happening it’s always best to get back on the saddle as quickly as possible and in this case, as you said, your game went well
 
Steve Fall said:
Hi all,

Not sure many have suffered similar - but Sunday am (18th November) a member of the coaching staff of Team B approached me at the end of the game. Right up into my face, (very aggressively) to inform me he would track me down, find out where I live and Kill me. - Before anyone reminds me - it's all with the local league and FA to deal with the team etc..

I'm ok - just a little shaken before my u18 game in the afternoon - which was a breeze in comparison...

To give you an idea of what happened in the game - the home team were winning and the last play of the game, this individual, was acting as the linesman. He indicated goalkick and I went corner - once this was taken I blew the final whistle for the match. Retreated to where my bag was and he approached me.. The game was a tight game and just a few standard cautions etc.. so no idea why I would recieve death threats..
Click to expand...
This is bloody awful mate! Glad you felt able to pick up the game after and hope it was a bit of a pallet cleanser
 
Steve Fall said:
Hi all,

Not sure many have suffered similar - but Sunday am (18th November) a member of the coaching staff of Team B approached me at the end of the game. Right up into my face, (very aggressively) to inform me he would track me down, find out where I live and Kill me. - Before anyone reminds me - it's all with the local league and FA to deal with the team etc..

I'm ok - just a little shaken before my u18 game in the afternoon - which was a breeze in comparison...

To give you an idea of what happened in the game - the home team were winning and the last play of the game, this individual, was acting as the linesman. He indicated goalkick and I went corner - once this was taken I blew the final whistle for the match. Retreated to where my bag was and he approached me.. The game was a tight game and just a few standard cautions etc.. so no idea why I would recieve death threats..
Click to expand...
Can't say I'm surprised sadly, knowing some of the individuals involved with that team. Hope you're OK mate - agree with the others, I'd report it to the police if I were you.
 
one said:
On a separate note, not sure how the legal system works in England, but if this happens to me here I would also report it to the Police.
Click to expand...
Absolutely.

The sort of individual that reacts in that way to you overruling them for a goal kick is possibly already known to the police - and if not, they should be!! :(
 
I have just raised a police report - thanks for the suggestion. I have a couple of the home team as witnesses as well. Just a shame no one was taking pics.
 
Any Police action will depend on your perception of the words used, that is your belief or otherwise that the threat would be carried out. Without going into great detail, the offence is now covered by three statutes and is defined as follows.

Threats to kill.​

"A person who without lawful excuse makes to another a threat, intending that that other would fear it would be carried out, to kill that other or a third person shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years."

In my professional (ex) opinion it could at least warrant a formal warning to said individual. Obtain and keep a record of the relevant incident number for any report created by the Police.
 
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