FOOTBALL

Angry fan defecated on referee’s doorstep, says SFA chief

Ian Maxwell, the Scottish FA chief executive, details the appalling behaviour that referees are subjected to
Maxwell said the referee had also been chased through a Primark store by a supporter who felt he had made an incorrect decision
Maxwell said the referee had also been chased through a Primark store by a supporter who felt he had made an incorrect decision
STEPHEN DOBSON/PROSPORTS/SHUTTERSTOCK

The level of disgusting personal abuse suffered by referees has been revealed by Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell who said a senior match official discovered an angry fan had defecated on the doorstep of his home.

On another occasion the same referee — a well-known figure in the Scottish game — was chased through a Primark store by a supporter who threatened to beat him up for a decision he had taken in a game.

Maxwell said it was “embarrassing” that some fans felt it was legitimate to victimise referees for decisions which went against their team in a match. The head of the SFA said referees operated under a level of pressure which was not conducive being in the perfect frame of mind