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Ref confronted by irate parent at Dorset football match

A REFEREE says he is planning to report an incident, which saw him chased by an irate parent after a football match in Dorset, to police.

Roger Hughes was officiating an under-18s match between Portland United and Merley Cobham Sports at the Camp & Satherley Stadium, in Portland, on Sunday (September 24) when the incident unfolded.

It has been reported an angry parent – who had been acting as an assistant referee for the game – confronted him after disagreeing with one of his decisions.

Footage of the incident was shared on X, formerly Twitter, by the charity Ref Support, which said it was “another sign of how football is falling into an abyss of abuse”.

“Just imagine being the ref at Portland u18s v Merley Cobham Sports u18s and this happens to you after the game,” the charity added.

In video of the incident, young people are heard laughing as a man chases the ref across the pitch, before another man intervenes and separates the pair.

Portland United FC said it was aware of an incident and is investigating alongside the Dorset FA.

“At the conclusion of the football game a uniformed football official and a non-uniformed opposition official allegedly had an altercation on the pitch,” the club said.

“Portland United will not tolerate this action and has forwarded evidence collected at the game to the relevant governing body. At no point did a spectator enter the field of play.”

“Portland United is very proud of the hospitality on offer for all those who visit the Camp & Satherley Stadium and will continue to offer teams, officials, and supporters at all levels of football a warm Portland welcome.”

Merley Cobham Sports FC, based in Merley, Poole, said it was cooperating with the relevant governing bodies over the incident and couldn’t comment further.

“We would, however, like to express our complete and unwavering support regarding the respect for all officials within the sport and strongly condemn any such incidents of unacceptable behaviour within our game,” a statement added.