On the weekend, footage emerged of a horrific attack on referee Khodr Yaghi by a suspended player that resulted in surgery and a broken jaw for Yaghi.
While this incident took place in another association, Football Canterbury stands in solidarity with Yaghi and all referees globally. Abuse towards referees is unacceptable as is violence towards any member of the community.
As a sign of solidarity, Football Canterbury is encouraging all teams to offer a guard of honour for the match officials at the commencement of each game this weekend.
Originating as an initiative from Hurlstone Park Wanderers and Strathfield FC who wanted to stand in support of referees, the act of solidarity has been approved by Canterbury Referee’s Association, Football Canterbury, and has received the support of many club presidents in the association.
Football Canterbury Chairman, Nick Kambounias, said that this highlights behavioural aspects within our game that needs to change.
“The disturbing footage that emerged on the weekend has impacted everyone who has seen it with the behaviour being condemned on a global scale. We stand with Khodr and all match officials,” said Kambounias.
“Abuse of any kind, including verbal abuse, is unacceptable in the wider community and is unacceptable when directed towards referees.
“The language and behaviour targeted towards referees would not be acceptable on the street, or in the workplace, or in the home – yet it still occurs on the football pitch. This needs to stop.”
Football Canterbury CEO, Anthony Bathurst, reaffirmed support for the initiative.
“The association is fully supportive of the initiative which is one small but important way of expressing appreciation and respect to the referee community who are such an integral and valued part of our game.” said Bathurst.
“The response from our member clubs to be involved has been overwhelmingly positive which demonstrates a united position to condemn the act from the weekend and to take the opportunity to recognise our referees”.
Players are reminded that any yellow card given for dissent is an automatic sin-bin. This means you leave the pitch and your team is a player down for five minutes in U13s-U17s and ten minutes for all other age groups.
Image credit: Photographed with Love
