Football Referee Faces Charges of Sexual Misconduct with Minor

A 46-year-old assistant referee who officiated matches in the English Football League (EFL) and FA Cup has been charged with engaging in sexual activity with a minor. Gareth Viccars is accused of inappropriate contact with a 15-year-old girl in November 2021.

Viccars appeared in court earlier this month to face charges of intentionally touching a girl under 16 years old. He has worked as an official for League One matches alongside his career as an estate agent.

The alleged incident occurred in Romford, east London. Viccars is scheduled to enter a plea at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7th. He has not refereed any EFL matches since last year.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees referees in English professional football, has suspended Viccars pending the outcome of the police investigation. A PGMOL spokesperson stated that Viccars was immediately suspended when the allegations came to light.

This case highlights the importance of safeguarding measures in sports to protect minors. The football authorities are cooperating fully with the ongoing police inquiry into these serious allegations against a match official.