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Premier League Refs launch ‘REFspect Campaign’ amid death threats, abuse

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3 months ago

April 12, 2025

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Premier League referees will wear special REFspect shirts during the warm-up ahead of every top-flight game this weekend and the Vertu Trophy Final at Wembley.

The campaign, which has the support of the PFA, FA, and PGMOL, aims to promote respect towards officials at grassroots and youth level.

The shirts will feature a poem that reads: “Don’t be a bully, be a friend, Don’t be a racist, that won’t mend, Don’t be abusive or aggressive, To show respect is more impressive.” The campaign is designed to provide a timely reminder to Premier League and EFL players of the importance of respecting match officials.

The move comes amid concerns over the abuse and intimidation of referees, with some officials facing death threats and regular abuse, Diaspora Digital Media gathered.

Premier League referee Michael Oliver faced death threats earlier this season, highlighting the need for greater respect towards match officials.

Oliver: a figure expected to be protected by the REFSpect Campaign

Oliver: a controversial figure expected to be protected by the REFSpect Campaign

Malcolm Lee, founder of REFspect, said: “Premier League referees and the PGMOL are so supportive and there’s a real solidarity among the officials.

Premier League players are role models and if youngsters see them crowding a ref – which has crept back in this season – then what example does that set to young players?”

Lee added that the campaign has had a genuine impact at grassroots level, with supporters, players, and managers reading the message and understanding the importance of respecting officials.

“Our goal remains clear: to tackle bullying and harassment in grassroots football and create a culture where referees, especially young officials, feel safe and supported. We are treating the issue as an emergency,” he said.

The PGMOL, led by Howard Webb, has thrown its support behind the campaign, which aims to promote a culture of respect in football. The campaign’s message is clear: respect for referees should be universal, at every level of the game.

More about REFSpect

A message on the REFSpect website read:

“The protection of the referee through an anti-bullying policy will be the catalyst for change in your football organisation. It is sometimes very difficult to manage behaviour and to keep emotions under control, however it is very easy to identify bullying when it’s characteristics are outlined in a policy.

“Anti-bullying policies are a very powerful tool in enforcing good behaviour because of the stigma that comes with the label of a bully and let’s be honest, bullying is what the referee is experiencing.

“This very simple but effective diagnosis of sideline behaviour is the benchmark you can create in your club or organisation, to allow you to effectively trigger your individual disciplinary procedures.

Remember…We can’t wait for the last whistle to fall silent

Before the bullying does.”

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