Seeing red

STAND: Eddie Aspin has resigned as referees’ secretary over safety fears

Foul and abusive players force Sunday League refs to strike
REFEREES have gone on strike from Oldham Sunday League duty claiming abusive players make them fear for their safety.

Eddie Aspin resigned as referees’ secretary and Jason Keast quit his post as results secretary after the league’s decision to reinstate three players whose registrations were withdrawn at the start of the season for abusive behaviour.

The pair were asked to leave their respective positions.

Referees were dismayed by the latest turn of events, with 14 of the regular 20 refusing to officiate this weekend.

Matches will be postponed unless two teams nominate a player to oversee proceedings.

Mr Aspin said: “I am not surprised people are refusing to turn up because they fear for their safety when they step on to the pitch.

“Some of the players are abusive and aggressive, not just towards each other but the referees too.

“There was meant to be a big crackdown this season as part of the ‘Respect’ campaign. I was asked to hand over the names of the biggest troublemakers in the summer, and six had their registrations withdrawn.

“The idea was to remove individuals who do not uphold the values of amateur football or have persistently caused problems in the past.

“But three of them appealed to the Oldham Sunday League and unfortunately they are allowed to play again, albeit on a final warning.

“Jason and I petitioned the league’s disciplinary committee, with a letter and the names of people who decided they would not officiate until abusive players’ registrations were withdrawn.

“But we were asked to resign because it was perceived by the committee as an organised boycott.

“As soon as I conveyed this news to the other referees, 14 of them texted me saying they won’t be there this weekend.

“The only way they will officiate in the Oldham Sunday League again is if people acknowledge a mistake has been made. There has to be a gesture — the troublemakers must be banned.”

Oldham Sunday League president Rodney Clarke rejected the notion referees are in danger.

He said: “I refute any suggestions that officials have reason to fear for their safety.

“The referee’s secretary and results secretary were asked to step down because they went beyond their remit by organising a referees’ boycott. Their positions were untenable.

“Matches will not be postponed as long as a nominated player from one of the teams steps in as referee.

“But I accept that in the long-term, being without 14 officials every weekend would cause problems. We will try to recruit referees, although I do not know where from.

“As for the 14 who are not attending this weekend, if they want to talk to us it is down to them.”