zarathustra
RefChat Addict
And yet I have never thrown a tantrum because some chopper of a coach has had a go at me.
Serious Assault
- Thread starter Big Cat
- Start date
And yet I have never thrown a tantrum because some chopper of a coach has had a go at me.
D
Deleted member 3014
Guest
Totally accept what your saying & don’t wish to take over this thread as I’ve actually got a few more important things I’d like to discuss of my own or Atleast get some advice on.
I’ll leave it at this, any player or club associate throws a punch at me & one of us is leaving the field in an ambulance! Simple as that, somethings go beyond wearing a referee shirt & believe me my personal safety is one of them!
zarathustra
RefChat Addict
That’s fine, and if it came to it, I.e. something similar to the incident in the video then I would most definitely be using reasonable force to defend myself.
But I would do so knowing that I’d probably never be allowed to referee again, but that’s a small price to pay if it means I don’t get my teeth knocked out. But it would very much be the last resort.
zarathustra
RefChat Addict
Anyway, getting back on topic, I wonder what could have possibly happened in that maychbto prompt that sort of reaction from the players.
I understand it was a League cup final, so there must have been plenty of witnesses and League officials about, it boggles the mind.
I understand it was a League cup final, so there must have been plenty of witnesses and League officials about, it boggles the mind.
D
Deleted member 3014
Guest
Indeed last resort.
One thing that makes me feel even more strongly about the subject is I’m yet to meet a ref in person or read an artical where the local FA has addressed an assault or incident with any decency infact the pathetic outcome I hear on a regular basis is nothing short of disgusting.
If your expecting the County FA to act correctly then don't hold your breath, they work on balances of probability of convictions and if it isn't guilty as charged they are reticent to pursue it. Can't have a blemish on their conviction rate!!
zarathustra
RefChat Addict
There are, in my opinion, a number of factors which ply into this:
The first is that we, as referees, are witnesses for the CFA. As such a referee is unable to bring witnesses etc to back up their version of events, where as players can, and often do, bring several “witnesses” who will lie through their teeth to get their mate off.
Tied into this is bad report writing by match officials. If your report is pants, then it makes it much easier for players to wriggle out of stuff
And if someone had thrown a punch at you, I'm sure we would all have sympathised with you doing whatever you needed to to defend yourself. But that's not actually what happened, is it?
NorthLondonRef
Active Member
Doesn't surprise me one bit given the community, location and mentality of those involved. It does kind of go back to MIB's thread where the discussion moved onto what is acceptable in terms of self-defence etc when facing an assault or somebody about to use violence against you.
I think a piece of advice was given which stated you should evade the incident or run. Watching that short clip, I can see a number of individuals actually trying to stop the idiots who are going after the referee and the big crowd makes it look worse than it is because not everyone in the shot is trying to go after the referee. Everyone is entitled to react how they choose in that specific moment but I'd say given the above clip, running is literally one of the worst things you can do. It's like a pack of lions or wild dogs who will chase you if you run. Before he starts running, there's actually a fella who is about one yard away from him who is trying to ringfence him and protect him. As soon as he runs, he runs straight into the bodies who trip him and that's when the white team and the sensible people step in to protect him. Never turn your back. Never run. It's a difficult one, but for me personally given I know that environment and the people I'd have to without doubt show no fear, speak to them in a certain manner whilst trying to de-escalate and use a certain tone and put on a certain "front" which means they'll have to have second thoughts about challenging me. These people are village mentality lunatics, the second you show fear, play by the book, run or don't give them a good reason to think about what they are about to do then you are like a little gazelle about to be eaten by the lions in their eyes. It's not nice, it's not acceptable behaviour from the players/spectators, but that's just how I'd react if I was faced with that situation. I'd probably move away from the area quite briskly but not running, and trying to portray myself as "tough and no nonsense" as possible whilst avoiding conflict.
I'll say another thing as well. If you don't want an unfair or tough time with situations like the above you should always turn down the Turkish League in London. The Greek KOPA league isn't too bad, it's intense and can be volatile but nowhere near like some of the Turkish teams.
I think a piece of advice was given which stated you should evade the incident or run. Watching that short clip, I can see a number of individuals actually trying to stop the idiots who are going after the referee and the big crowd makes it look worse than it is because not everyone in the shot is trying to go after the referee. Everyone is entitled to react how they choose in that specific moment but I'd say given the above clip, running is literally one of the worst things you can do. It's like a pack of lions or wild dogs who will chase you if you run. Before he starts running, there's actually a fella who is about one yard away from him who is trying to ringfence him and protect him. As soon as he runs, he runs straight into the bodies who trip him and that's when the white team and the sensible people step in to protect him. Never turn your back. Never run. It's a difficult one, but for me personally given I know that environment and the people I'd have to without doubt show no fear, speak to them in a certain manner whilst trying to de-escalate and use a certain tone and put on a certain "front" which means they'll have to have second thoughts about challenging me. These people are village mentality lunatics, the second you show fear, play by the book, run or don't give them a good reason to think about what they are about to do then you are like a little gazelle about to be eaten by the lions in their eyes. It's not nice, it's not acceptable behaviour from the players/spectators, but that's just how I'd react if I was faced with that situation. I'd probably move away from the area quite briskly but not running, and trying to portray myself as "tough and no nonsense" as possible whilst avoiding conflict.
I'll say another thing as well. If you don't want an unfair or tough time with situations like the above you should always turn down the Turkish League in London. The Greek KOPA league isn't too bad, it's intense and can be volatile but nowhere near like some of the Turkish teams.
If you notice in the video, its is spectators coming on at the end rather than the players who are causing the assault. This is not saying that the teams should be punished, but for the referee not to allow the assault to be registered with the Police is weakening the action that can be taken.
zarathustra
RefChat Addict
Indeed, whilst there is never an excuse to assault a match official the fact the referee didn’t want to press charges, and the fact that the video seems to have been selectively edited makes me think there’s more to this than meets the eye.
And that RefSupport are only interested as it allows them to push the body cam angle and get on talksport
MrPerfectNot
New Member
Question: At what levels (ages, competitions, etc.) is it routine to have a 3-man crew rather than a Center with club linesman or Center running solo? This type of information will help me (as a visitor from many leagues away) better understand the environment in which you all work.
If there's a thread that can better answer that, feel free to direct me that way.
Thx
If there's a thread that can better answer that, feel free to direct me that way.
Thx
The refs down south seem to need a bit more help than the Northern ones I think! 
You need a 4th option, winging it solo! 
You need a 4th option, winging it solo! 
Padfoot
The Persecuted One
However, the suspects had fled the scene by the time police arrived and the referee, aged 28, declined to press charges or make an official allegations. The police internal report recorded Lopes had minor injuries.
And that’s why we keep seeing assaults on match officials.
If the referee can’t even be arsed to get the police involved....what chance do the FA have?
And that’s why we keep seeing assaults on match officials.
If the referee can’t even be arsed to get the police involved....what chance do the FA have?
NorthLondonRef
Active Member
Possible consideration of links to the attackers and their links to local criminals/gangs? I am guessing the referee is local. I know the players are local. I am guessing the offenders would get a slap on the wrist at best. I am also guessing that the offenders and their cronies could find out the referee's address and his families address in a couple of hours considering the team probably has access to that information let alone through local connections. Couple of kicks and that's that....he goes to the police then he's looking at threats and possible further assaults/intimidation for as long as he's in the area.
There was a story the other day. A young man in Hackney protected a girl from some of his mates who were assaulting her when they were 15. He gave evidence and interviewed with police. He went to Uni, got his masters and moved out the area whilst he was at uni and had a job elsewhere. He returned to live at home 10 years later for work and he was spotted in the area. One evening when getting out of his car to go into his house he was shot in the head so it may be understandable if the referee fears repercussions.
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But if he is local, how difficult is it to find his address. Doesn't take a genius on internet searching to find them.....
Whether any police action is taken, the fact is that they were reported aids the CFA ability to punish the clubs (if they are associated), or obtain banning orders against them.
Padfoot
The Persecuted One
Sorry but that’s just pathetic.
I was born and bred in the area where this assault happened.....in fact used to use New River for our athletics at school.....so I know all about the area.
If we follow your logic....he won’t have reported the cards for fear of reprisal....the LFA won’t take action against players or clubs for fear of reprisal.....and so on.
If he’s not prepared to follow up with the Police he shouldn’t expect much from the FA. The Police have much more power to deal with the offenders than the FA.......