Rebel refs spoken to as league waves play-on

Manchester FA chiefs have vowed to hold talks with referees who boycotted last weekend’s Oldham Sunday League fixtures.

Of the regular pool of 20 officials, the Manchester FA says 12 refused to attend matches after voicing concerns about abusive players.

The Chronicle reported how referees’ secretary Eddie Aspin and results secretary Jason Keast were asked to step down after petitioning refs regarding the reinstatement of three players whose registrations had previously been withdrawn for abusive behaviour.

It has since emerged that Mr Aspin is not currently registered, but claimed the paperwork is in the hands of the Manchester FA as registrations must be reviewed every three years.

The Manchester FA says Mr Aspin is awaiting for his FA CRB check, which was submitted on October 5, to be completed.

Of the 17 scheduled fixtures last weekend, 16 went ahead. Six Oldham Sunday League referees officiated, with the other 10 matches overseen by Manchester FA-approved officials.

Following a meeting, an Oldham Sunday League statement read: “Peter Roberts, referees’ development officer at the Manchester FA, met the Oldham Sunday League committee to discuss the situation.

“Mr Roberts informed the committee that the Manchester FA would, over the next few days, be contacting all the referees involved in boycotting the Oldham Sunday League to discuss their options.

“Three of the referees involved in the boycott are not registered with any county FA — therefore should not be officiating in any FA-sanctioned matches.

“One of the unregistered referees is Eddie Aspin, who is leading the boycott.”

Manchester FA chief executive Colin Bridgford said a Respect “programme, not a campaign,” will be relaunched in Oldham.

He added: “It was great to see 16 of 17 fixtures covered at the weekend.

“The unregistered referees will be contacted by Peter Roberts to discuss why they are not registered.

“The league will be organising a referees’ course with subsidised fees. This illustrates the commitment to grassroots football in Oldham.”




If you are interested in refereeing in Oldham, contact Peter Roberts on 07826-946 632.