Portugese football referees fear for their safety

Published on 01/02/2013 01:20

PORTUGUESE match officials fear government spending cuts that leave Premier League and amateur games without police protection are a threat to their safety and the future of their profession.

A new transitional law means it is now up to individual clubs to decide whether police oversee matches.

“Sending an 18-year-old to a pitch to spend 90 minutes fearing that, if he gives a penalty or a red card, folks will jump him, is not good. We are very worried,” said Jose Gomes, the head of the referees’ association.