Early bath for ref

STORMED off . . . referee Mark Roberts

‘Intimidated’ official quits match after 15 minutes
AN Oldham Sunday League referee abandoned a match after only 15 minutes and vowed to never officiate in the competition again.

The President’s Cup first round clash between FC Royton and Anglers Arms was goalless when Mark Roberts, of Briar Avenue claimed he felt intimidated.

Players watched as he drove away from Clayton playing fields. With no other referee available, the match had to be abandoned.

Mr Roberts, who has overseen matches in the league for a decade, explained: “I was already upset because the kick-off had been delayed.

“Once we got under way it was quite a tense atmosphere. But it took a turn for the worse when one player aggressively aimed expletives at me several times simply because I awarded a throw-in rather than a free-kick.

“I decided enough was enough. More players started swearing at me as I left the pitch and I certainly won’t be refereeing in the Oldham Sunday League again.

“I felt intimidated during and immediately after the match.”

Oldham Sunday League vice-chairman Steve Diggle promised an investigation.


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