GRASSROOTS football across the region is in crisis with volunteer referees being abused at both senior and junior levels, according to Gwent Foot-ball Association chiefs.

There are growing concerns that an already low number of officials will decline even further with the men in black subjected to verbal abuse, a problem particularly prevalent at junior level.

The epidemic of disrespect has come to light with a second violent incident against a referee within a month.

The Newport and District League fixture between Llis-werry and Sporting Baneswell last Saturday was abandoned after 55 minutes due to an alleged attack on the official by a Baneswell player.

It’s the second time in just four weeks that a Gwent player has been at the centre of a ref rage row.

Striker Scott Lanyon, who plays for MacWhirter Welsh League side Cwmbran Celtic, was banned from all football until 2011 following an assault on the match official in a game at Ammanford on October 11.

However, physical assaults on referees are the tip of the iceberg with the problems widespread. Gwent referees have this season also been the victim of abusive telephone calls and horrendous abuse from both players and supporters.

Most worryingly, the worst offenders appear to be parents watching junior level football.

Peter Ashton, the disciplinary secretary for the Gwent FA, is concerned that a continuation of this problem could bring local football to its knees.

“We are having a bad run with a lack of respect being shown towards referees at the moment and it’s a huge concern, I can’t explain why it is happening. I honestly believe it is a society issue, plus our players copying what they see on TV from higher levels. The respect campaign is supposed to be helping.

“We have suffered this season, I was appalled to hear of a referee receiving abusive telephone calls and we want to eradicate this sort of thing immediately.

“I would say that abuse towards officials is on the increase at all levels of the game, most worryingly, it’s worst at junior level.

“It’s very bad there and it’s not the kids so much as the parents, the adults on the sidelines who scream and shout and make it an atmosphere that is not nice for anyone.

“At the moment, I spend most of my time dealing with discipline issues at junior levels of the game and it makes me wonder where the spirit has gone in football.”

Dick Downes, the fixture secretary for the Newport and District league, explained that despite a pro-active approach to training referees, numbers are dwindling at the grassroots level.

“We encourage future referees and especially younger people, by offering courses and training, but if the abuse towards officials continues, no one is going to want to do it,” he said.

“The referees are volunteering their time and efforts and without them we can’t have organised fixtures, it is as simple as that.

“We don’t have enough referees as it is, this situation can’t continue.”

Referees are encouraged to report any abuse in their match reports and the Gwent FA will investigate the matter post haste.

The Sporting Baneswell player has been banned from all football pending a disciplinary hearing expected within 10 days.