A gay football official says he’s been expelled after criticizing his referees’ association for allegedly displaying a lack of concern after he complained about being targeted with anti-gay taunts during an amateur match, the Daily Record reports.
Joe Richardson alleges that, after sending off a player for rough play, he was called a “faggot” and a “poof” on the field and his partner was threatened off the field. Richardson says he reported the comments to police, who are investigating. Richardson says he also sought the support of the Angus and Perthshire Referees Association but says it offered none.
He says on Facebook that he has been expelled for about a year after publicly criticizing the association.
Richardson, who has been a referee for more than 10 years, says he has also informed the Scottish Football Association (SFA). On his Facebook page, he says he “will go down fighting with regards to refereeing.”
The SFA says it cannot comment on the matter as it may become involved in adjudication.
Why you can trust Xtra
