In a significant and troubling development within English football, Gareth Viccars, a 46-year-old assistant referee known for officiating matches in the English Football League (EFL) and the FA Cup, has been charged with a serious child s3x offence. The charges stem from allegations of engaging in s3xual activity with a 15-year-old girl, an incident purportedly occurring on November 15, 2021, in Romford, East London. Viccars, who has also worked as an estate agent, appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on February 7, 2024. He faces accusations of “intentionally touching” a minor under the age of consent, specifically a girl aged between 13 and 15, in contravention of the S3xual Offences Act 2003. The legal implications of these charges are severe, reflecting the gravity of the allegations against him. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the governing body responsible for officiating in professional English football, has taken immediate action in response to the allegations. Upon the emergence of these serious claims, Viccars was suspended from his officiating duties, a decision underscored by a spokesperson from PGMOL who stated, “As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr. Viccars was immediately suspended.” The spokesperson further noted that due to the ongoing police investigation, they are unable to provide additional comments on the matter. Viccars has not officiated in the EFL since the previous year, with his last appearance recorded on February 3, 2024, as the fourth official in a League One match between Charlton Athletic and Derby County. His upcoming court appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7, 2024, will be pivotal, as it is expected that a plea will be entered regarding the charges against him. The case has drawn significant attention not only due to the nature of the allegations but also because of Viccars’ position within the football community. The implications of such charges extend beyond the individual, raising concerns about safeguarding and the integrity of officiating in sports. As the legal proceedings unfold, the football community and the public await further developments in this serious case, which highlights the critical importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring accountability within all levels of sport. The post Ref who has officiated in EFL and FA cup matches charged with child s3x offence appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.Ref who has officiated in EFL and FA cup matches charged with child s3x offence
In a significant and troubling development within English football, Gareth Viccars, a 46-year-old assistant referee known for officiating matches in the English Football League (EFL) and the FA Cup, has been charged with a serious child s3x offence. The charges stem from allegations of engaging in s3xual activity with a 15-year-old girl, an incident purportedly occurring on November 15, 2021, in Romford, East London. Viccars, who has also worked as an estate agent, appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on February 7, 2024. He faces accusations of “intentionally touching” a minor under the age of consent, specifically a girl aged between 13 and 15, in contravention of the S3xual Offences Act 2003. The legal implications of these charges are severe, reflecting the gravity of the allegations against him. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the governing body responsible for officiating in professional English football, has taken immediate action in response to the allegations. Upon the emergence of these serious claims, Viccars was suspended from his officiating duties, a decision underscored by a spokesperson from PGMOL who stated, “As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr. Viccars was immediately suspended.” The spokesperson further noted that due to the ongoing police investigation, they are unable to provide additional comments on the matter. Viccars has not officiated in the EFL since the previous year, with his last appearance recorded on February 3, 2024, as the fourth official in a League One match between Charlton Athletic and Derby County. His upcoming court appearance at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7, 2024, will be pivotal, as it is expected that a plea will be entered regarding the charges against him. The case has drawn significant attention not only due to the nature of the allegations but also because of Viccars’ position within the football community. The implications of such charges extend beyond the individual, raising concerns about safeguarding and the integrity of officiating in sports. As the legal proceedings unfold, the football community and the public await further developments in this serious case, which highlights the critical importance of protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring accountability within all levels of sport. The post Ref who has officiated in EFL and FA cup matches charged with child s3x offence appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.