Referee abandons game through fear for his safety – then sent off manager steps down

A referee says he abandoned a game through fear for his safety after a rumpus broke out when he issued two red cards.

Anthony Howard called a premature halt to Saturday’s North Wales Coast East Premier Division match between Kinmel Bay and Rhuddlan Town following an unsavoury incident in the 65th minute.

Mr Howard, 56, told Grassroots North Wales that a Kinmel Bay player had committed a foul he was about to deal with when a torrent of abuse allegedly came his way from the Rhuddlan bench.

As a result, the referee showed a red card to Rhuddlan manager John Barnes, who has since resigned, insisting he did nothing wrong.

Mr Howard said Town player Mathew Beach then allegedly confronted him in an aggressive manner and was also red-carded.

“I had to at this point abandon the game as I feared for my safety,” said the long-serving official.

“It was the first time in 25 years that I’ve had to abandon a match, I was shaking with fear.”

Mr Howard added the police needed to be called to ensure he could leave the ground safely.

Despite being unsettled by his experience. Mr Howard insisted he will be available to referee next weekend and would not let Saturday’s events force him out of the game.

North Wales Coast FA president Bryan Roberts confirmed: “The match was abandoned after 65 minutes.

“Both clubs have been asked to submit their observations. I am yet to speak to the match official.”

Rhuddlan Town coach Wayne Hughes claimed the dismissal of manager Barnes for dissent was a case of mistaken identity.

Mr Hughes added Mr Barnes was so disillusioned by the incident he stepped down as manager immediately after the game.

A former Rhuddlan manager, Mr Hughes says he will take charge on a temporary basis, but hopes further talks with Mr Barnes may prompt a change of mind and that he may return to his role after serving any suspension.

Kinmel Bay were leading 3-2 at the time of the abandonment.

It is not known as yet whether the result will stand or the match will be replayed.