'Unprecedented' rise in indiscipline across Somerset football

Twice as many grassroots football matches have been abandoned in Somerset so far in 2023-24 compared to this time last year

Disciplinary cases within grassroots football across Somerset have risen 50% on last year, said the chief executive of the Somerset Football Association.

The number of matches that have been abandoned in the 2023-24 season so far have doubled compared to a year ago, the statement said.

Cases involving youth players and referees have risen by 66% from this time in 2022.

The incidents are across all aspects of the grassroots game.

"The opening months of the 2023-2024 season has seen the worst start to a season that we have ever witnessed, with an unprecedented increase in disciplinary cases," Jonathan Pike said.

"Season 2021-2022 and season 2022-2023 were already two of the worst in terms of discipline that we have ever seen in Somerset and, far from an improvement in these statistics, we are seeing a worrying trend in the opposite direction."

'Zero tolerance'

The main offenders in youth football are adults, including coaches, managers, parents, referees and spectators, Mr Pike continued.

"Young people in football, regardless of their role, deserve to enjoy the game free from abuse and negativity, and should expect adults to behave in a manner that sets a positive example," he said.

The Somerset FA said it would be working with clubs and leagues across the region to reinforce codes of conduct and to "adopt a zero-tolerance policy for poor behaviour".

Mr Pike said: "This includes robust disciplinary procedures and sanctions for those who fail to adhere to these standards and could include the cancellation of fixtures".