GRASSROOTS referees are being subject to frequent abuse and aggressive behaviour, the secretary for the Bolton and Bury District Junior League has said.

It comes after a young female referee was chased offf the pitch, spat at and verball abused, much of which was of a sexist nature, whilst officiating her first league game, which was a under-12s match.

The "football mad" teenager, her heartbroken father said, is now considering not returning to refereeing, despite the fact she has "always wanted to ref".

Her dad added: “She called me up and she was crying.

“It’s an under-12s football team and she’s been scared. It’s broken my heart.

“We just want an apology.”

Warren Barlow, secretary for the Bolton and Bury District Junior League, believes that such instances have increased since the first lockdown two years ago, and wants clubs to take more responsibility in tackling "unacceptable behaviour".

Recently he posted the disgraceful behaviour seen at the matches, in which he said a most offensive word was used against another referee, and even questioning why the league bothers in the face of this.

He said: “Clubs need to take responsibility rather than it always getting dumped on the leagues or the FA. We all have a responsibility.

“It is a minority that are causing the majority of issues. It’s every week at the moment. And it’s a national problem, not just Bolton.

“It’s about the greater good, and the greater good is creating a safe and fun environment.

“Get rid of people who want to behave like that. Ban them completely. We don’t want you in our game. You’re not welcome. Go away. Get lost.”

He added: “I don’t know any referee that goes out there to make a bad decision.

“If a player makes a mistake people won’t berate them, but if a referee does, they do.”

Mr Barlow believes that the FA’s Respect campaign, which aims combat these exact issues, has lost it.

He also suggests that a top-down approach would be beneficial.

He said: “I would like to see professional referees take a stand when players get in their face. Give them a red card. We need them to take a stand to show that at any this is not acceptable.”

An FA spokesperson said: "We are clear that all forms of abuse, whether on or off the pitch, is completely unacceptable and we will continue to do everything we can to stamp out this behaviour from the game.

“Match Officials play a crucial role in creating a safe and inclusive environment for all participants and The FA works very closely with our 50 county FAs around the country to recruit, retain, support and develop the referee workforce to service the game and give them the best experience possible.

“The retention of all referees is crucial, and this remains a priority as part of The FA’s wider Respect campaign."