By Callum Maxted and Louis White

The Merseyside Youth Football League have cancelled all fixtures on Saturday following reports of ‘multiple incidents of inappropriate and threatening behaviour’ towards referees.

Last season the FA issued 380 bans for grassroot games. To combat this, The FA have decided that body cameras will be worn by referees in adult grassroot fixtures. This will be trialled by some leagues during the rest of the 2022/23 season.

Abuse to football officials has been rife with The Grassroots Post reporting that nine in 10 referees said that they had been verbally abused, with 59.7% experiencing some form of abuse every two matches in the amateur game.

But for most referees this is their way of life and match official Jordan Chwalko says many will now miss out on much needed pay this weekend: “Refereeing is my main source of income. If I want to go out at the weekend, I need to make sure I’m down to officiate a match in the morning.”

The 20-year-old from Leasowe says referees are vital to ensure young people can play football: “It is important to me that young people get opportunities to play and make sure their games aren’t cancelled due to lack of referees.”

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Last year, The FA launched a new mental health champions scheme to support match officials.

While Jordan is very aware of the issues that have been making headlines recently, he insists he doesn’t feel stressed whilst refereeing: “I am never affected by any pressure or conflict in the football environment as I am very aware of the dynamics of the game and how passion can turn into frustration; things are different outside of this environment.”

David Bradshaw is a referee in the Bolton, Bury & District League who was attacked during a match earlier this month. The league’s Under 13’s secretary suffered multiple broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, a lost tooth and a concussion. The incident all came from the awarding of a red card for a dangerous tackle. Greater Manchester Police have issued an appeal for information.

There have been calls for football to take note from the RFU who have introduced a zero-tolerance ruling on abuse towards any match officials during the game. If a player abuses the referee it could result in anything up to a 12-month ban.

Many clubs across the region have backed the Merseyside Youth League’s stance with some turning to social media to show their support.

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