A CONTROVERSIAL minute’s silence in memory of a convicted child abuser has been scrapped after football clubs threatened to boycott it.

Wessex League officials sparked outrage when they called for the mark of respect for Ray Barnes, the former head of the Hampshire FA, who was found guilty of historic sex crimes against children.

Mr Barnes was found dead after falling from a multi-storey car park outside a shopping centre on Tuesday.

The minute’s silence had been due to take place at football matches across Hampshire on Saturday, but the games were called-off due to bad weather.

League chairman Bob Purkiss last night admitted the proposed silence – which he wanted to stage for Mr Barnes’ family - had “not been appreciated by many” and confirmed it would now be dropped.

Mr Barnes, who was president of the Sydenhams Wessex League at the time he was charged, was convicted earlier this month of five counts of indecently assaulting three boys between 1964 and 1983.

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The 74-year-old married father-of-four, of Grateley Close, Weston, Southampton, who was a life vice-president of Hampshire FA, was due to be sentenced on January 14.

One of his victim’s, a former footballer and manager, told the Echo he was “sickened” by the proposal and called for a rethink.

“I personally would not have felt comfortable to have a minute’s silence for someone that had abused boys. I am sure that many of today’s players would feel the same way, as they have kids and grandchildren.

“This should have been put to each team before hand to see if they were happy with it, it should not have be put upon them.”

He added: “None of us ever wanted this outcome, and I am sure [Mr Barnes’] family may well like to blame us, and the press for his death, but it was his decision.

“Please let’s not make him out to be a hero.”

Daily Echo readers branded the proposed silence a “sick joke” and a “disgrace”.

Several Wessex league bosses told the Daily Echo they would have boycotted it.

One manager, who did not want to be named, said: “Under the circumstance it (Mr Barnes’ death) is not something that would have been worthy of any respect. Our chairman was going to speak to the referee before the game. It was our intention not to join in the silence. We wouldn’t have gone out of our way to be noisy but we would not have gone to the semi-circle.”

Dave Stansbridge, the chairman of Brockenhurst FC, said: “It was not the best idea Bob Purkiss has come up with. It was not the most appropriate course of action.”

The Sydenhams Wessex League provides competitive football for clubs in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire and armed services.

Sydenhams Wessex League statement

SYDENHAMS Wessex League chairman Bob Purkiss last night released the following statement.

“The Wessex League asked, that in recognition of an individual dedicated to football over 40 years and to the league for 25 years, and also in respect of the contribution and sacrifices that his family have given to enable others to benefit, that a minute’s silence be called for on Saturday, December 18.

“We felt that, in line with others in the football world, it was the least we could do for his family who have suffered the tragic loss of a husband, father and grandfather. It would appear that this has not been appreciated by many and one can understand they are entitled to their views as are we.

“There was no football played on the 18th so the action could not take place. This was a one off, for the reasons stated, and will not be transferred to another date. This is the end of the matter as far as the league is concerned but we will continue to help and assist his family in this very difficult time.”