HAMPSHIRE Football Association officials have vowed to use the full extent of their powers to punish offenders who seriously assaulted two referees over the weekend.
Mike Misselbrook, who is also the Hampshire FA's fitness coordinator, was punched in the face by a player during a Drew Smith Veterans League match between Hare & Hounds and QK Southampton at Riverside Park on Saturday.
David Bott, of Chandler's Ford, was then headbutted to the ground by a spectator in a City of Southampton Sunday League game between TC Woodman and Mall Marlands, at the Sports Centre, Bassett.
Both matches were immediately abandoned as a result of the shocking incidents.
Hampshire FA chief executive Neil Cassar said he was shocked and disappointed. "The incidents of this weekend in Southampton have been particularly bad for county football," he said.
"Any assault, whether it be verbal or physical, on a match official has no place in the game and we will deal with any offenders by implementing the highest punishments available to us.
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"This behaviour must stop - and stop now.
"After the positive of opening the new offices last week we have been brought back to earth by the incidents of Saturday and Sunday.
"When we are going out trying to recruit new referees, incidents like these don't paint a good picture.
"But they are isolated incidents and they are not the norm."
Misselbrook was assaulted for the first time in his 34-year career, by a Hare and Hounds player, after issuing a red card.
However, the 52-year-old was back on the pitch with his whistle the following day and is thought to be keen to continue refereeing, as long as another similar incident does not occur.
Bott, who is just 22, was left with a bloodied mouth after being attacked by one of the TC Woodman spectators.
The club has been suspended from playing until they identify the fan concerned to the Hampshire FA.
Cassar added: "We are not sure if that person is involved with the running of the club, so we have asked the club to identify the individual concerned.
"We have put that club under suspension until they have identified that person."
The Daily Echo understands that, if found guilty, each offender will be facing permanent bans with no review allowed for at least five years.
However, if the TC Woodman spectator is not an officer or player, the most the Hampshire FA is likely to be able to do is charge the club with misconduct.
Cassar added they were in touch with Misselbrook and Bott and would give them any help they require.
"We have made contact with the two referees and they are obviously shaken up by the incidents," he said.
"We will be in regular contact with the officials to ensure they are both okay and have got the support they need."
A Hampshire Police spokesman confirmed the second incident had been reported to them, although they had no record of Saturday's.
Posted by: John Foy, Southampton on 9:36am Thu 31 Jan 08
Incidents such as these contribute nothing to the referee crises that we endure every weekend in local football, through all age groups. At veterans level we have been allocated only 3 referees so far this season, including against Hare & Hounds for the first match and all have been excellent. The problem then is that for the other matches it is generally the manager or assistant manager who fills the role, and whereas we all do our best there is probably a level of inconsistency which gives a certain type of player some misconceptions when he comes up against a qualified official. A solution needs to be found, as I know of several other managers like myself who have undertaken or are considering taking the referee course, but find incidents like this offputting. I am sure Hampshire FA have a number of proposals but I think that whilst the pool of qualified referees remains so low there has to be a reduction in matches played. For example if you have 80 teams divided into 8 equal sized divisions then 720 matches are played in a season, however if you have the 80 teams are placed in 10 equal sized divisions you have only 560 matches. Over a 32 week season these provides for an average of 5 less matches each week that are not played without the benefit of a qualified official.
The article does not point out that Mr. Misselbrook refereed this match superbly, and the vast majority of players on both sides accepted his decisions without question, even the other Hare & Hounds player dismissed accepted the judgement of the referee in the proper manner. It is a shame that this incident occurred, spoiling a competitive match between 2 teams consisting of quality players, and I am sure all teams wish to see players, officials and supporters who act in such a manner dealt with appropriately.
Incidents such as these contribute nothing to the referee crises that we endure every weekend in local football, through all age groups. At veterans level we have been allocated only 3 referees so far this season, including against Hare & Hounds for the first match and all have been excellent. The problem then is that for the other matches it is generally the manager or assistant manager who fills the role, and whereas we all do our best there is probably a level of inconsistency which gives a certain type of player some misconceptions when he comes up against a qualified official. A solution needs to be found, as I know of several other managers like myself who have undertaken or are considering taking the referee course, but find incidents like this offputting. I am sure Hampshire FA have a number of proposals but I think that whilst the pool of qualified referees remains so low there has to be a reduction in matches played. For example if you have 80 teams divided into 8 equal sized divisions then 720 matches are played in a season, however if you have the 80 teams are placed in 10 equal sized divisions you have only 560 matches. Over a 32 week season these provides for an average of 5 less matches each week that are not played without the benefit of a qualified official.
The article does not point out that Mr. Misselbrook refereed this match superbly, and the vast majority of players on both sides accepted his decisions without question, even the other Hare & Hounds player dismissed accepted the judgement of the referee in the proper manner. It is a shame that this incident occurred, spoiling a competitive match between 2 teams consisting of quality players, and I am sure all teams wish to see players, officials and supporters who act in such a manner dealt with appropriately.
Posted by: Osama Bin Laden, A Cave far far away on 11:00am Thu 31 Jan 08
Like I said
After the match turn the football pitch into an 'execution zone' and we can remove all the chavs from the earth AND remove violence against referees at the same time!!!!
Like I said
After the match turn the football pitch into an 'execution zone' and we can remove all the chavs from the earth AND remove violence against referees at the same time!!!!
Posted by: Eric Cantona, Front Row on 11:06am Thu 31 Jan 08
The message needs to come from the Professional level down. The dissent shown by 'professional' players to referees is an utter disgrace to the game. I whole heartedly support the recent proposal that only the team captain may speak to the referee in disputed decisions, much like in Rugby.
The acceptance of referees decisions needs to be without question - The most recent high level example was the 'out of touch' England Player in the World Cup Final Try that wasn't - In relation to a park football match on a Sunday, that would give the Engalnd players the rights to rip the referee limb from limb - They didn't got on with it and tried to make up for it by being the best team on the pitch.
Our 'professional' teams need to recognise the positions they have as role models throughout the rest of the game...
Soapbox away and back to work...
The message needs to come from the Professional level down. The dissent shown by 'professional' players to referees is an utter disgrace to the game. I whole heartedly support the recent proposal that only the team captain may speak to the referee in disputed decisions, much like in Rugby.
The acceptance of referees decisions needs to be without question - The most recent high level example was the 'out of touch' England Player in the World Cup Final Try that wasn't - In relation to a park football match on a Sunday, that would give the Engalnd players the rights to rip the referee limb from limb - They didn't got on with it and tried to make up for it by being the best team on the pitch.
Our 'professional' teams need to recognise the positions they have as role models throughout the rest of the game...
Soapbox away and back to work...
Any assault on officials are totally inexcusable. However,some of the refereeing standards are appaling - in terms of performance and conduct towards players.
Any assault on officials are totally inexcusable. However,some of the refereeing standards are appaling - in terms of performance and conduct towards players.
Posted by: Mike, Southampton on 1:10pm Thu 31 Jan 08
There are so many people who would love to go to football matches, but are scared to because of thuggery. At my local pub, some neanderthal football fanatics entered after a disappointing Saints game and proceeded to take their agression out on the other people in the pub. Why is this problem not dealt with as severely as any other type of assault?
The FA/UEFA should do more than ban these people from football matches, they should be arrested, charged, locked up, fined and forced to do community service!
The fine shouldn't be £30 - it should be the price of a season ticket for the next five/ten years... that'll keep them out of trouble!
There are so many people who would love to go to football matches, but are scared to because of thuggery. At my local pub, some neanderthal football fanatics entered after a disappointing Saints game and proceeded to take their agression out on the other people in the pub. Why is this problem not dealt with as severely as any other type of assault?
The FA/UEFA should do more than ban these people from football matches, they should be arrested, charged, locked up, fined and forced to do community service!
The fine shouldn't be £30 - it should be the price of a season ticket for the next five/ten years... that'll keep them out of trouble!
Do not condone attacks on football officials but in order to irradicate this, which is invariably borne out of frustration due to the poor decisions they make, the standard of referee's must be better. In order to raise the bar in relation to the standard the FA must contribute/subsidise the fees, an individual would be more likely to become a referee if it were finacially beneficial, make the fee consistant with a saturday morning shift in the workplace, it would attract many more, then the FA would not have to accept the dross that currently applies
Do not condone attacks on football officials but in order to irradicate this, which is invariably borne out of frustration due to the poor decisions they make, the standard of referee's must be better. In order to raise the bar in relation to the standard the FA must contribute/subsidise the fees, an individual would be more likely to become a referee if it were finacially beneficial, make the fee consistant with a saturday morning shift in the workplace, it would attract many more, then the FA would not have to accept the dross that currently applies
[quote][bold]Here[/bold] wrote:
Do not condone attacks on football officials but in order to irradicate this, which is invariably borne out of frustration due to the poor decisions they make, the standard of referee's must be better. In order to raise the bar in relation to the standard the FA must contribute/subsidise the fees, an individual would be more likely to become a referee if it were finacially beneficial, make the fee consistant with a saturday morning shift in the workplace, it would attract many more, then the FA would not have to accept the dross that currently applies [/quote] Couldn't agree more.
The majority of refs at local level are useless. They are severely lacking in people skills, logic, commonsense and knowledge of the rules (and their application). Come on Southampton FA increase the quality of referees and this problem would be far less common.
Here wrote:
Do not condone attacks on football officials but in order to irradicate this, which is invariably borne out of frustration due to the poor decisions they make, the standard of referee's must be better. In order to raise the bar in relation to the standard the FA must contribute/subsidise the fees, an individual would be more likely to become a referee if it were finacially beneficial, make the fee consistant with a saturday morning shift in the workplace, it would attract many more, then the FA would not have to accept the dross that currently applies
Couldn't agree more.
The majority of refs at local level are useless. They are severely lacking in people skills, logic, commonsense and knowledge of the rules (and their application). Come on Southampton FA increase the quality of referees and this problem would be far less common.
Posted by: Osama Bin Laden, A Cave far far away on 5:18pm Thu 31 Jan 08
[quote][bold]Mr Magoo[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Here[/bold] wrote:
Do not condone attacks on football officials but in order to irradicate this, which is invariably borne out of frustration due to the poor decisions they make, the standard of referee's must be better. In order to raise the bar in relation to the standard the FA must contribute/subsidise the fees, an individual would be more likely to become a referee if it were finacially beneficial, make the fee consistant with a saturday morning shift in the workplace, it would attract many more, then the FA would not have to accept the dross that currently applies [/quote] Couldn't agree more.
The majority of refs at local level are useless. They are severely lacking in people skills, logic, commonsense and knowledge of the rules (and their application). Come on Southampton FA increase the quality of referees and this problem would be far less common.
[/quote] Dodgy decisions are as much a part of football as the pork pie. Go watch rugby or cricket if you want 'perfect' decisions
Mr Magoo wrote:
Here wrote:
Do not condone attacks on football officials but in order to irradicate this, which is invariably borne out of frustration due to the poor decisions they make, the standard of referee's must be better. In order to raise the bar in relation to the standard the FA must contribute/subsidise the fees, an individual would be more likely to become a referee if it were finacially beneficial, make the fee consistant with a saturday morning shift in the workplace, it would attract many more, then the FA would not have to accept the dross that currently applies
Couldn't agree more.
The majority of refs at local level are useless. They are severely lacking in people skills, logic, commonsense and knowledge of the rules (and their application). Come on Southampton FA increase the quality of referees and this problem would be far less common.
Dodgy decisions are as much a part of football as the pork pie. Go watch rugby or cricket if you want 'perfect' decisions
It's time referees went on strike and the local FA suspended the entire fixture programme for a significant period, in the hope that these violent morons might see sense. Their clubs and the police should also use the maximum sanctions available. Meanwhile I couldn't agree more that the FA should clamp down on the role models at the top, though no doubt their wealthy employers would try to prevent it.
It's time referees went on strike and the local FA suspended the entire fixture programme for a significant period, in the hope that these violent morons might see sense. Their clubs and the police should also use the maximum sanctions available. Meanwhile I couldn't agree more that the FA should clamp down on the role models at the top, though no doubt their wealthy employers would try to prevent it.
Posted by: Alex Williamson, Totton on 5:50pm Thu 31 Jan 08
Hi,
I'm a referee myself and train with Mike every thursday. He's one of the nicest people you could every hope to meet and I've no doubt that the decision to send the player off was completely justifed.
Hi,
I'm a referee myself and train with Mike every thursday. He's one of the nicest people you could every hope to meet and I've no doubt that the decision to send the player off was completely justifed.
Posted by: Portsmouth sunday league on 8:52pm Thu 31 Jan 08
"The incidents of this weekend in Southampton have been particularly bad for county football,"
Dont tarnish the rest of Hampshire just because of these mindless THUGS from Southampton !
"The incidents of this weekend in Southampton have been particularly bad for county football,"
Dont tarnish the rest of Hampshire just because of these mindless THUGS from Southampton !
Posted by: former manager, southampton on 11:45am Fri 1 Feb 08
Those who offer critisism of the standard of refereeing at local level are probably players who turn out in the "junior" leagues expecting "premier league" referees. It just does not happen !
In my opinion you should not expect top class officials if you can't produce top class football.
Put up or get out !
Those who offer critisism of the standard of refereeing at local level are probably players who turn out in the "junior" leagues expecting "premier league" referees. It just does not happen !
In my opinion you should not expect top class officials if you can't produce top class football.
Put up or get out !
Posted by: i am a ref and a player, football land on 10:06pm Mon 4 Feb 08
To those of you who criticise the decisions made by people giving up there time there is a simple option. Hampshire FA are looking for new referees - go along and try it! See how you do. It is not that simple. I have played Wessex and Hampshire league for a number of years and watched a vast number of local games. I thought I knew it all and then tried refereeing - it is completely different with 22 players plus suppporters constantly moaning and wingeing. As a player it has changed my approach/attitude towards refs and I think that the FA should make all clubs have a 'qualified' referee within their set up.
To those of you who criticise the decisions made by people giving up there time there is a simple option. Hampshire FA are looking for new referees - go along and try it! See how you do. It is not that simple. I have played Wessex and Hampshire league for a number of years and watched a vast number of local games. I thought I knew it all and then tried refereeing - it is completely different with 22 players plus suppporters constantly moaning and wingeing. As a player it has changed my approach/attitude towards refs and I think that the FA should make all clubs have a 'qualified' referee within their set up.
Posted by: St Rodders, Eastleigh on 10:32am Tue 5 Feb 08
It should not matter about the standard of refereeing , The players should have enough about themselves to get on with the game , I also agree that a lot of the comments regarding the standards are probably from people playing junior football , I have played wessex and hampshire league football and bnar one incident a few years ago i have never seen a ref get assaulted , it is disgusting and tarnishes the reputation of 99 % of the rest of the players in this county . Kick the players out who assaulted the refs and give them life time bans with no review !
It should not matter about the standard of refereeing , The players should have enough about themselves to get on with the game , I also agree that a lot of the comments regarding the standards are probably from people playing junior football , I have played wessex and hampshire league football and bnar one incident a few years ago i have never seen a ref get assaulted , it is disgusting and tarnishes the reputation of 99 % of the rest of the players in this county . Kick the players out who assaulted the refs and give them life time bans with no review !
Posted by: A Totton Referee, Totton on 7:52pm Wed 6 Feb 08
As a local referee I have noticed three things at different levels. Some parents live out their failed dreams their children and become aggressive officials when things do not go their childs way. This in my experience leads to abuse of officials. Are the parents good role models ?
b) In mens football....it has amazed me how many of the laws of he game are NOT known to players. This therefore leads to frustrations.
c) When a referee talks to players like humans it breaks down barriers...leading to less abuse. Explain decisions if asked in a reasonable way, banter and use common sense. Break down frustrations and passions in a passionate brilliant sport
As a local referee I have noticed three things at different levels. Some parents live out their failed dreams their children and become aggressive officials when things do not go their childs way. This in my experience leads to abuse of officials. Are the parents good role models ?
b) In mens football....it has amazed me how many of the laws of he game are NOT known to players. This therefore leads to frustrations.
c) When a referee talks to players like humans it breaks down barriers...leading to less abuse. Explain decisions if asked in a reasonable way, banter and use common sense. Break down frustrations and passions in a passionate brilliant sport
Posted by: GEORGE W. BUSH, Hampshire Area on 3:10pm Thu 14 Feb 08
[quote][bold]St Rodders[/bold] wrote:
It should not matter about the standard of refereeing , The players should have enough about themselves to get on with the game , I also agree that a lot of the comments regarding the standards are probably from people playing junior football , I have played wessex and hampshire league football and bnar one incident a few years ago i have never seen a ref get assaulted , it is disgusting and tarnishes the reputation of 99 % of the rest of the players in this county . Kick the players out who assaulted the refs and give them life time bans with no review ! [/quote] Role models are everywhere in the game and it is not right just to point the blame at players. Professional people in the game use Anti-Social behaviour to put the referee at a disadvantage, when he or she has enough to think about as it is.It is up to FIFA EUFA and the FA, as to the level of punishment. In Rugby, any assaults are immediately dealt with, with a lifetime ban, as is threatening and intimidating behaviour to a match official.Why have there been Zero assaults on Rugby officials anywhere in this Country- it is because there is a lifetime ban as a detterant!! Why are the governing bodies in Football holding back and not doing the same?All behaviour at any football match should be as it is in rugby, with respect for each other, the match officials and the game itself. There should be a learning tutorial on the FA web site for anyone to look and learn and find out why certain decisions are given. We want our National game to flourish. At the moment, there are reducing numbers of pitches, facilities, players and referees. Why not deduct a small percentage from our cash rich professional game to provide all of these. We want more youngsters showing off their talent and help our National game to give us World beaters. We haven't won anything Nationally in Football in 42 years. Until we get the basics right, most would agree, there is not much hope for any great change.We are paying a foutune for the new England Manager, however, it is up to the players to make what they do count for something, sadly, this is not happening on the big stages.
St Rodders wrote:
It should not matter about the standard of refereeing , The players should have enough about themselves to get on with the game , I also agree that a lot of the comments regarding the standards are probably from people playing junior football , I have played wessex and hampshire league football and bnar one incident a few years ago i have never seen a ref get assaulted , it is disgusting and tarnishes the reputation of 99 % of the rest of the players in this county . Kick the players out who assaulted the refs and give them life time bans with no review !
Role models are everywhere in the game and it is not right just to point the blame at players. Professional people in the game use Anti-Social behaviour to put the referee at a disadvantage, when he or she has enough to think about as it is.It is up to FIFA EUFA and the FA, as to the level of punishment. In Rugby, any assaults are immediately dealt with, with a lifetime ban, as is threatening and intimidating behaviour to a match official.Why have there been Zero assaults on Rugby officials anywhere in this Country- it is because there is a lifetime ban as a detterant!! Why are the governing bodies in Football holding back and not doing the same?All behaviour at any football match should be as it is in rugby, with respect for each other, the match officials and the game itself. There should be a learning tutorial on the FA web site for anyone to look and learn and find out why certain decisions are given. We want our National game to flourish. At the moment, there are reducing numbers of pitches, facilities, players and referees. Why not deduct a small percentage from our cash rich professional game to provide all of these. We want more youngsters showing off their talent and help our National game to give us World beaters. We haven't won anything Nationally in Football in 42 years. Until we get the basics right, most would agree, there is not much hope for any great change.We are paying a foutune for the new England Manager, however, it is up to the players to make what they do count for something, sadly, this is not happening on the big stages.
Posted by: I Love football but not the trement referees get, Hampshire on 10:27pm Sun 17 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Osama Bin Laden[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Mr Magoo[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Here[/bold] wrote: Do not condone attacks on football officials but in order to irradicate this, which is invariably borne out of frustration due to the poor decisions they make, the standard of referee\'s must be better. In order to raise the bar in relation to the standard the FA must contribute/subsidise the fees, an individual would be more likely to become a referee if it were finacially beneficial, make the fee consistant with a saturday morning shift in the workplace, it would attract many more, then the FA would not have to accept the dross that currently applies [/quote] Couldn\'t agree more. The majority of refs at local level are useless. They are severely lacking in people skills, logic, commonsense and knowledge of the rules (and their application). Come on Southampton FA increase the quality of referees and this problem would be far less common. [/quote] Dodgy decisions are as much a part of football as the pork pie. Go watch rugby or cricket if you want \'perfect\' decisions[/quote] I think that if people whom make comments like the dodgy decisions.Should take up refereeing and then come back to answer, after they have given it up due to this kind of tretment.The main course of these problems come from the likes of Andy Gray, he gets as may camera angles andas long as he wants to make a decisions and then rips the referee to bits (he hasn,t even done the course) Big Stcotish bully on refs.Sort it out Mr Gray you could help the referees so much and the game
Osama Bin Laden wrote:
Mr Magoo wrote:
Here wrote: Do not condone attacks on football officials but in order to irradicate this, which is invariably borne out of frustration due to the poor decisions they make, the standard of referee\'s must be better. In order to raise the bar in relation to the standard the FA must contribute/subsidise the fees, an individual would be more likely to become a referee if it were finacially beneficial, make the fee consistant with a saturday morning shift in the workplace, it would attract many more, then the FA would not have to accept the dross that currently applies
Couldn\'t agree more. The majority of refs at local level are useless. They are severely lacking in people skills, logic, commonsense and knowledge of the rules (and their application). Come on Southampton FA increase the quality of referees and this problem would be far less common.
Dodgy decisions are as much a part of football as the pork pie. Go watch rugby or cricket if you want \'perfect\' decisions
I think that if people whom make comments like the dodgy decisions.Should take up refereeing and then come back to answer, after they have given it up due to this kind of tretment.The main course of these problems come from the likes of Andy Gray, he gets as may camera angles andas long as he wants to make a decisions and then rips the referee to bits (he hasn,t even done the course) Big Stcotish bully on refs.Sort it out Mr Gray you could help the referees so much and the game
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