Rugby union referees abandon game over abuse

Rugby union referees in County Durham said they had been abused during games

Rugby union referees have said they are "highly concerned" about the number stepping away from the game due to match official abuse.

The Durham County Rugby Football Union Referee's Society (DCRURS) said it had already seen three referees hang up the whistle this season due to "criticism from players, club officials and spectators".

Referee Mark Harrington said young match officials were the "future of rugby and we cannot afford to lose them".

Durham County Rugby Football Union (RFU) said it took reports of abuse "extremely seriously"

Mr Harrington, who is the chair of the DCRURS, said referees "shouldn't have to deal" with mistreatment.

He said the abuse had not been physical, but some referees had been approached.

"There has been one game where the referee has abandoned the game because he felt unsafe," Mr Harrington said.

"If we can nip it in the bud now, hopefully we can stop it getting any worse."

Warning letter

DCRURS sent a letter to Durham County RFU, which represents 33 clubs in the area.

It detailed four instances of abuse in the senior game, and three in the junior game.

It said referees would now struggle to cover games this season, and warned it could be left "with no option" but to let matches go ahead without an official.

Durham County RFU said it had "fair, yet robust disciplinary procedures in place and takes match official abuse extremely seriously".

A spokesperson said all cases were dealt with on a case-by-case basis in line with regulations.

It added it had forwarded the letter to all clubs.