Referee abuse – when does it become a criminal act? Partner Edward Grange writes for The Times

Verbal abuse and threats towards match officials remain far too common in football, from grassroot fixtures to televised top-flight matches played in front of thousands.

But while dissent may begin with a caution or temporary dismissal from the game, it can quickly escalate into serious misconduct, including discriminatory abuse, threats and physical violence. Outside football, this behaviour would often be considered criminal conduct, yet there remains a perception that referees are treated differently from other victims.

Edward Grange, Partner at Corker Binning, explains why abuse, threats and physical violence towards referees should be recognised for what they are: criminal acts that deserve to be treated with seriousness, not dismissed as mere sporting indiscipline in The Times.

“…threats, intimidation and violence are not merely breaches of the laws of the game. They are criminal acts.” he says.

Read the full article via the link here: https://www.thetimes.com/uk/law/article/referee-abuse-when-does-it-become-criminal-act-vn8k25q3k?t=1779953939709