Football referees to be given round of applause across NSW in wake of bashing

Football matches across NSW will honour referees and officials in a pre-match symbol of solidarity following last weekend’s violent bashing of referee Khoder Yahgi.

Referees will get a 30-second round of applause prior to kick-off at matches across NSW this weekend in a “pre-match symbol of solidarity” after the violent bashing of an official last weekend.

In calling for the tribute, Football NSW confirmed there had been an increase in the number of reported incidents involving abuse towards referees, including verbal abuse, intimidation and other unsportsmanlike conduct.

“We will not tolerate this,” the organisation said in a statement.

Bankstown District Amateur Football Association referee Khoder Yaghi underwent surgery to repair a fractured jaw and missing teeth after he was allegedly repeatedly punched and kicked in the face during a Men’s Premier League game in Sydney’s southwest last Friday night.

Video of the incident from last Friday night showed Yaghi, 45, being confronted by a spectator at the end of the match at Padstow Park where he was pushed to the ground and punched multiple times.

Khoder Yaghi grabs at his jaw after being bashed at a Bankstown District Amateur Football match. Picture: Supplied

Adam Abdallah, 25, an amateur boxer, was charged with affray and wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm over the incident.

Football NSW said it would continue to impose strict sanction on people not complying with its zero-tolerance stance for unacceptable behaviour.

“The support and safety of our referees, our team officials and our players is paramount.”

At games across all associations this weekend Football NSW is requesting “both teams standing around the centre circle together with referees positioned on the halfway line” to receive the applause.

Adam Abdallah was charged with affray and wounding.

The move comes as Bankstown District Amateur Football Association adopted new safety measures to keep officials safe.

The association will trial body cameras on its Men’s Premier League referees and has issued a new hard line stance on abuse from players and coaches.

Under the new rules, registered team officials (RTO) and spectators will be barred from approaching any referee regarding a decision made during a match.

If that rule is breached, the offender will be issued a red card and the match will be abandoned.

The non-offending team will be awarded a 3-0 forfeit victory or the current score should the margin be beyond three goals once the match is abandoned.

Players – including captains – will no longer be permitted to question a referee’s decision.