Alleged attack that left Sydney football referee with broken jaw may deter volunteers, associations say

Local referee associations have warned that an alleged violent attack at a suburban football match in Sydney may exacerbate a long-term shortage of volunteers, amid calls for stronger punishments to eliminate abuse.

A 25-year-old man has been charged over the alleged attack at an amateur game in Padstow, which was condemned as “disgusting and cowardly” by the state’s sports minister.

The referee, 45-year-old Khodr Yaghi, was hospitalised after having three teeth knocked out and his jaw broken in three places.

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Multiple referee associations, which supply volunteers and paid referees to local leagues, hope the alleged attack will be a wake-up call that forces leagues to introduce tougher player suspensions and bans.

Rodrigo Martins, the president of the Canterbury Referees Association, said 75 local referees quit last season with 90% citing the verbal abuse they received on the pitch. He said some were concerned the verbal abuse could lead to physical harm.

“We need better education on what is not acceptable and tougher sanctions applied by local clubs and football associations,” Martins said.

“Too often I see players who abuse referees getting slaps on the wrist, rather than one-to four-week suspensions. We do need to send a message to players that’s it’s just not acceptable.”

One referee, who has managed games in south-west Sydney for 25 years, agreed that leagues needed to take much stronger action against abuse and dissent.

“Last week, I had to stop the game I was doing to run over to another and stop the players from pushing the referee. It’s ridiculous,” said Gary, a referee who asked for his last name to be