WSL Referee’s Alleged Assault: A Tale of Power Dynamics and Justice
A Women’s Super League referee, Lisa Benn, has taken her former employer, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), to an employment tribunal, alleging a disturbing incident of assault and discrimination. In a powerful statement, she reveals how a referee coach, Steve Child, allegedly manhandled her during a game, leading to a series of events that impacted her career.
The incident occurred at a PGMOL-organized training tournament for video assistant referees (VAR) in March 2023. During a delay in the schedule due to a serious injury, Child allegedly urged Benn to get the game started promptly, grabbing her arm and forcefully pushing her onto the pitch. This incident, witnessed by others, allegedly led to a heated game where Child instructed a fourth official to tell Benn to ‘kill the game’.
Benn, a trusted and highly regarded referee, stood her ground. She replied, ‘Don’t tell me how to referee’ and directed an expletive at Child. This reaction, however, came at a cost. After the incident, PGMOL’s recommendation for her as an international referee decreased, resulting in her losing a place on FIFA’s international referee list.
The controversy lies in the differing accounts of the incident. While PGMOL found Child’s behavior not to meet the threshold for disciplinary action, Benn’s witness statement and the tribunal’s hearing paint a different picture. Benn argues that Child’s actions were gender-based and that he felt superior, treating her differently from male referees.
The tribunal continues, leaving the outcome of Benn’s case uncertain. This story highlights the complex dynamics of power and the challenges faced by female officials in a male-dominated industry. It invites discussion on the importance of addressing and addressing gender-based discrimination in sports officiating.