Incident Overview
During a recent tribunal session, a prominent official recounted an alarming incident involving football referee coach Steve Child, who allegedly “aggressively pushed her” during a 2023 football match. Lisa Benn, aged 34 and a referee for the Women’s Super League (WSL), claimed that her gender played a role in Child’s behavior, which she characterized as harassment. Following her complaint, she asserted that she experienced retaliation that ultimately led to her demotion from her position on FIFA’s international referee list.
Testimony Details
Benn testified at an employment tribunal in south London, sharing her account of the incident on the pitch where Child is said to have forcefully gripped her arm and pushed her toward the field. This confrontation allegedly occurred amid a tumultuous environment characterized by high tensions during the match. Benn explained that Child, a coach with Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), displayed signs of distress and superiority while directing her actions during the game.
She claimed Child instructed a fourth official, Ruby Sykes, to relay messages to her, including directives that were both inappropriate and condescending.
Allegations of Misconduct
In her witness statement, Benn expressed that Child berated her by stating “your card has been marked” and labeled her “bloody minded” after a significant on-field altercation ensued.
Observing Child’s furious demeanor, she described how his aggression made her feel diminished both as a referee and as an individual. Benn specifically noted that such treatment seemed to be directed only towards her as a female referee, suggesting a pattern of behavior not extended towards her male counterparts.
Investigation and Retaliation Claims
Despite her complaint, Benn alleged that PGMOL’s subsequent investigation concluded that Child’s actions did not warrant any disciplinary measures. She criticized the organization’s chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, and Bibi Steinhaus-Webb, former head of women’s referees, claiming they assured her that coming forward with her experience would lead to no negative repercussions. Yet, Benn contended that after filing her complaint, her professional recommendations were significantly less favorable.
Impact of the Incident
Benn recounted how the chaotic circumstances surrounding a PGMOL training tournament, during which newcomers received training on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) techniques, exacerbated her experience. Amid a pause in play due to an injury, Child’s abrasive approach and his commands, combined with the stressful game conditions, led her to question his treatment of her in front of other officials.
Defending Child’s actions, PGMOL’s representative Jesse Crozier argued that Benn may have misinterpreted his intent during the incident. Yet Benn remained adamant, feeling belittled by Child’s actions and asserting that she had not experienced similar treatment from male referees.
Conclusion and Ongoing Proceedings
As emotions ran high, Benn emphasized the negative impact the encounter had on her sense of worth both professionally and personally. She pointed out that, despite the presence of numerous witnesses, including video footage of the training event, she believed the incident would not have been appropriately acknowledged or acted upon. The tribunal proceedings are set to continue as both parties present their arguments regarding the serious allegations and their implications for gender equity in sports officiating.
