Premier League officials to send strong message this weekend after ref death threats

Premier League referees will join together this weekend to support a major respect campaign.

The match officials will wear special REFspect shirts during the warm-up ahead of every top flight game and also the Vertu Trophy Final at Wembley.

Messages on the T-shirts will have a poem which reads: “Don’t be a bully, be a friend, Don’t be a racist, that won’t mend, Don’t be abusive or aggressive, To show respect is more impressive.”

The Don’t X The Line campaign, which has support from the PFA, FA and PGMOL, is designed to promote respect towards officials at grassroots and youth level while also providing a timely reminder to and EFL players.

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Premier League referee Michael Oliver earlier in the season and officials at grassroots level face regular abuse and intimidation.

Malcolm Lee, founder of REFspect, said: “Premier League referees and the PGMOL are so supportive and there’s a real solidarity among the officials.

“It will be so noticeable at Premier League grounds this weekend with officials wearing the shirts, clubs are very supportive and we’re trying to encourage Match of the Day to give it a mention in the brilliant way they acknowledge other important campaigns like Kick It Out.

“Premier League players are role models and if youngsters see them crowding a ref - which has crept back in this season - then what example does that set to young players? This campaign highlights those issues.

“We notice that when the referees wear the T-shirts at grassroots level, it has a genuine impact because supporters, players and managers read it, think about it and understand how important it is to respect the officials.

“We see a lot of referees drop out of the game and actually now, bodies like the County FAs and the FA, are doing positive work to take strong action against clubs at grassroots level like points deductions and teams being expelled.

“Our goal remains clear: to tackle bullying and harassment in grassroots football and create a culture where referees, especially young officials, feel safe and supported.

“We envision a football landscape where respect is at the heart of the game, ensuring that match officials are treated with fairness and dignity.

"Seeing match officials from the Premier League to grassroots level unite in wearing REFspect t-shirts is a huge statement of solidarity. It reinforces our message that respect for referees should be universal, at every level of the game."

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