Shouty Sports Parents Told To Tone It Down - Or Risk Arrest

Shouty Sports Parents Told To Tone It Down - Or Risk Arrest
Shouty parents watching sport
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Shouty parents watching sport

Shouty touchline parents have been warned they face prosecution if they don't get a grip on themselves.

Sports minister Helen Grant said they face being arrested if their support for their children at football matches gets out of control.

Her threat came as the Football Association launched a new course to educate people about the perils of causing disturbances at matches.

The new FA 'awareness' course for people found guilty of a misconduct charge is similar to motorist awareness courses for speeding drivers.

Last season, there were around 4,000 misconduct charges and 491 referee assaults at both adult and junior level, figures from the FA show.

Ms Grant told the Evening Standard: "Sadly, there are still occasions where we see bad behaviour at junior matches from adult spectators on the touchline, which is absolutely unacceptable."

She said parents should 'set an example' and instead focus their energy on encouraging players rather than getting carried away and abusing officials.

She said offences committed by parents watching matches would 'remain a matter for police'.

Clubs where parents or managers are found to have committed misconduct can be fined or face other sanctions.

The FA 'awareness' pilot scheme, will take place across 10 county associations including Essex, Surrey and Oxfordshire.

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