Concerns grow over behaviour on sidelines as officials say abuse is becoming “normalised”

A GRASSROOTS football referee has warned that persistent abuse from players, coaches and spectators is driving officials away from the game.

Marty Jones, who says he has spent more than thirty years involved in grassroots football and has refereed more than 500 matches as a Football Association of Wales official, has spoken out about what he describes as a growing culture of hostility towards referees.

In a strongly worded post shared online, he said the level of abuse directed at match officials has become relentless.

“When did we decide that abusing the referee is just part of the game?” he asked.

“I stand on sidelines now and it’s relentless. From kick-off to full-time, it’s a constant stream of nonsense.”

Mr Jones, who has officiated youth matches, friendlies and pre-season games — often without charging a fee — said referees are frequently blamed for incidents beyond their control, from missed penalties to fights between players.

“Why is the one neutral person on that pitch, the one without any teammates, the one who’s given up their afternoon for the love of the game, the target for everyone’s frustrations?” he said.

He described the behaviour as “bullying” and “harassment”, adding that standards of basic respect appear to have eroded.

“It’s grown adults spending ninety minutes having a go at someone who’s just trying to let a game of football happen,” he said.

The referee also highlighted concerns about the impact on children’s football, claiming some coaches have ruined matches by constantly arguing with officials from the sidelines.

“I’ve seen coaches ruin kids’ matches because they can’t stop moaning at the ref,” he said.

“I’ve seen grown men with responsible jobs get sent off for hurling abuse at officials. I’ve even seen physical abuse aimed at referees.”

Mr Jones warned that the long-term consequences could be serious for the sport at a local level.

“Referees are quitting in droves,” he said. “Every week, good officials walk away because they’re sick of being treated badly.”

“When they go, games don’t happen fairly, kids don’t get to play, grassroots football suffers — not because of refs, but because of behaviour we’ve all just somehow accepted.”

Campaigns such as “Respect the Ref” and “No Ref, No Game” have long been promoted across Welsh football, but Mr Jones questioned whether those messages are being taken seriously.

“Because if we did mean it, we wouldn’t tolerate behaviour that would get you thrown out of any other setting,” he said.

He urged supporters to reflect on their behaviour and focus on encouraging players rather than targeting officials.

“Go along, enjoy the game, cheer your team, encourage the players, make it a place people actually want to be,” he said.

“But if you’re just there to give the referee grief for ninety minutes, honestly, just stay home.”

The Herald understands that concerns about referee retention and behaviour at grassroots level have been raised more widely across Wales, with officials warning that recruitment and retention could become increasingly difficult if standards do not improve.

The Football Association of Wales has been approached for comment.

A STRONG entry list and a revamped format promise a spectacular return for the Get Jerky Rally North Wales this weekend, as the popular event roars back after a year out.

The Welshpool-based rally, which was cancelled in 2025 due to storm damage, returns on Saturday (Mar 28) with a fresh route and renewed energy.

Organised by Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire Car Club, the event will once again be centred around Welshpool Livestock Market, while also reconnecting with the town centre for the first time in recent years.

Fans will be able to get close to the action, with a mid-day regroup and end-of-event celebrations taking place in the heart of Welshpool.

Crews will tackle six stages covering 45 competitive miles through the iconic Dyfnant and Aberhirnant forests, delivering a classic Wales Rally GB-style challenge. Both stages will be run twice, ensuring plenty of action throughout the day.

A high-quality modern field includes British Rally Championship event winner Max McRae, alongside co-driver Cammy Fair, as he prepares for the new season.

McRae will be hoping to emulate his father, Alister, who won the event in 1998.

Welsh driver Meirion Evans, with co-driver Dale Furniss, is also expected to challenge for honours on home soil in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, heading a strong Pirelli Welsh Rally Championship presence.

Further competition comes from Protyre BTRDA Rally Series leader Matthew Hirst and co-driver Jack Bown in a Skoda Fabia R5, alongside Alex Vassallo and Chris Lees, Icelandic pairing Daniel Siguroarson and Asta Siguroarson, and the in-form Elliot Payne and Patrick Walsh.

Ian Bainbridge and Andrew Roughead will also attract attention as they debut their new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.

Historic rally fans will not be disappointed, with the Fuchs British Historic Rally Championship well represented.

George Lepley and co-driver Dafydd Evans lead Category 4 in their Mitsubishi Galant VR4, while a potential appearance from Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell in a BMW E30 M3 could prove a major draw.

Category 3 is expected to be fiercely contested, with Richard Hill and Patrick Cooper looking to build on their recent success, but facing strong opposition including former British Rally Championship frontrunner Tom Cave, who returns in a Ford Escort Mk2 alongside Keaton Williams.

Several other championships will also be decided across the weekend, including the ANWCC Forest Rally Championship, the West Wales Rally Spares HRCR Stage Masters Challenge, the TCS Plant Rally Challenge and the Mini Cup Stage Rallying Championship.

Town centre events planned

Welshpool will play a central role throughout the day, hosting rally HQ and service at the livestock market.

The Seven Stars Car Park will act as a key spectator hub, while from around 12:00pm the town centre will host the mid-rally regroup alongside family entertainment, including a treasure hunt and a Guinness World Record attempt.

The ceremonial finish and champagne celebrations are expected to take place from around 3:45pm, with free access for spectators.

The first stage gets underway at 8:30am, with spectator access available at both Aberhirnant and Dyfnant South forests. Parking costs £10 per car, including a programme.

More information is available at www.rallynorthwales.co.uk

LAST week’s fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League produced a number of decisive results as teams continue to battle for position heading into the closing stages of the season.

Llanteg secured a narrow 6–4 victory over East Williamston, while St Johns delivered the standout performance of the week with a commanding 10–0 win against Hundleton.

Lamphey claimed an 8–2 result over St Twynnells, with Badgers matching that scoreline in their win against Cosheston. Reynalton also impressed, recording a dominant 10–0 victory over Kilgetty.

Carew had the bye.

League table after week 21:

East Williamston continue to lead the table, having played 19 matches, winning 13 and sitting on 126 points with a shot difference of +169.

St Johns remain close behind after 20 games, with 12 wins, one draw and seven losses, on 116 points and a shot difference of +132.

Reynalton sit third with eight wins and two draws from 19 matches, holding 99 points.

Carew are fourth on 98 points from 19 games, followed closely by Hundleton on 97 points after 19 matches, with ten wins and one draw.

Llanteg have played 18 matches and sit on 95 points, while St Twynnells, also on 18 games, have nine wins and two draws to reach 93 points.

Lamphey are on 80 points from 19 matches, with Badgers just behind on 79 points.

Cosheston have 74 points from 17 games, while Kilgetty currently sit bottom with 73 points from 19 matches.