In a disturbing development for English football, Gareth Viccars, an assistant referee who has officiated matches in the EFL and FA Cup since 2018, is set to appear in court next month on charges of sexually penetrating a minor. The alleged victim is a girl between the ages of 13 and 15.
Viccars, who started his officiating career in the EFL in the 2018-19 season, was suspended from his duties in August 2023 when police began investigating the serious allegations against him. He has not been involved in a match since the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign as the case proceeds.
On March 7th, Viccars is scheduled to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court, where he will enter a plea related to the single charge of sexually penetrating an underage girl. If convicted, the 31-year-old referee could face significant prison time and permanent expulsion from football.
PGMOL, FA Respond to Viccars Case
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees referees in the professional game, acted swiftly when the accusations against Viccars came to light last summer. A PGMOL spokesperson stated:
“As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr Viccars was immediately suspended. As the matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further.”
– PGMOL spokesperson
The Football Association declined to comment on the case at this time, likely waiting for the legal process to play out before making any statements or decisions regarding Viccars’ future.
Abuse Scandals Plague Football
Unfortunately, this is not the first time football has been rocked by allegations of sexual abuse, particularly involving minors. In recent years, a number of high-profile cases have emerged, shining a light on the dark underbelly of the sport:
- Barry Bennell – Former youth coach convicted of 50 counts of child sexual abuse in 2018
- George Ormond – Ex-Newcastle United youth coach jailed for 20 years in 2018 for sexual offenses against boys
- Bob Higgins – Former Southampton and Peterborough coach found guilty of 45 charges of indecent assault against teenage boys in 2019
These cases, and now the charges against Viccars, underscore the urgent need for football authorities to implement more robust safeguarding measures, thorough background checks, and support for victims. The sport must work tirelessly to create a safe environment for all participants, especially vulnerable youth.
An Uncertain Future
As Gareth Viccars prepares to face the court and the serious accusations against him, the world of football will be watching closely. If found guilty, it will be another devastating blow to the sport’s reputation and a stark reminder of the work still needed to combat abuse at all levels.
For now, Viccars remains suspended from his duties as an EFL and FA Cup official, his career hanging in the balance. The outcome of his March court appearance will likely determine his future in football and, more importantly, serve as a potential turning point in the fight against child sexual abuse in the sport.
As this troubling case unfolds, it is crucial that football’s governing bodies take decisive action, sending a clear message that there is no place for abusers in the beautiful game. Only by confronting these issues head-on and implementing real change can football begin to rebuild trust and create a safer future for all.
