KCFA find Stephenson guilty for spitting at Kent football referee

Thursday 30th July 2009

THE KENT County Football Association have found Anton Stephenson guilty of spitting at a football referee in a match at Beckenham last March, writes Stephen McCartney.

Stephenson was playing for Sevenoaks Town against Beckenham Town at Eden Park Avenue, with Beckenham leading 2-0 when the shameful incident took place.

Stephenson brought shame on Kent football and Sevenoaks Town Football Club when he committed the biggest sin in football - spitting at someone - during the March encounter.

As referee Mr Jonathan Stone blew his whistle for half-time, Stephenson reacted to something or someone and appeared to shout abuse at the Kent match official.

Mr Stone then showed Stephenson a red card, with the player reacting by spitting at the referee, catching the official on his face and match shirt.

Stephenson was ushered away by team mates and into the dressing rooms, where loud voices were heard as a coming together of players appeared to occur.

It was the last game that Stephenson played for Sevenoaks Town Football Club.

Stephenson was fined £150 by the KCFA last night. He was originally banned for 35 days for the red-card offence. However, he must serve a 182 day ban, although 101 days have already been completed.

Mr Stone, who no longer officiates, issued the following statement to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, following last night’s hearing at KCFA offices in Chatham.

"Following on from listening to the player and listening to a complete and utter fabrication of what he said in his statement, I’m glad that the KCFA found the player guilty," said Mr Stone.

"My decisions on the night to send him off and subsequent report about his actions are completely vindicated in their findings and it’s always a pleasure to see the KCFA to support match officials in this way.

"I think the length of the ban, whilst not necessarily long enough in my personal opinion, is in guidance with the FA rules, which were what was probably expected.

"My disappointed both on the night and subsequently was very disappointing. I have received no contact whatsoever from the Kent League from the referee’s secretary and the only email that I’ve had from the Kent League chairman was a response from my own email to her.

"It’s a shame the Kent League doesn’t follow the same lines as the KCFA, who clearly do support match officials, by the findings of the commission.

"Today I have not attended the FA fitness test and I haven’t registered as a referee so my 2009-10 season will not be as a referee.

"My decision to resign entirely from refereeing is purely on the lack of support from the Kent League and I find it quite astounding that during the current pre-season the Kent League have signed clubs up to the respect programme.

"When another one of their referee’s are assaulted, will they look after him in the same way as they have me?"

Stephenson told the Sevenoaks Chronicle at the time, ""I will appeal it as I didn't spit at the guy, I was angry to what had gone on in the first half and I know I shouldn't have sworn. There was swearing and you can go for that in the current climate.

"I wasn't spitting at him, I was spitting into the ground and he ran into it. I never spat at the ref, I wouldn't spit at another human being."

Mr Stone, speaking tonight, gave his opinion over Stephenson’s claims that he ran into the phlegm.

"Clearly the player was mistaken if he thought I’d ran into his spit," said Mr Stone.

"If he’s watched any football match in the country, let alone the county of Kent, match officials walk off together at half-time - and to see me sprint would be a miracle in its own right!"