The Cynon Rhondda Merthyr Junior Football League has advised clubs that from Friday 25th April the season, in all age groups, will be ended. Following repeated abuse of match officials and warnings issued things have not improved and they released a statement: “Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a worrying rise in incidents where referees have been verbally and physically abused by parents. This is completely unacceptable and we will not stand for it. After careful discussions with our league management committee, we’ve made the tough decision to curtail all leagues and divisions from Friday 25 April 2025. Final standings will be decided using the points-per-game method as outlined in our rules. League cup finals on 3rd May will still go ahead. This isn’t just about fixtures, it’s about sending a clear message: Referee abuse has no place in junior football.” As a Club we fully support the decision of the league committee and back whatever action they deem fit to ensure this does not happy again. Abuse of referees should never be tolerated and parents should be held to account for their actions. Without referees there is no game - at any level of football #refspect

Published Monday 21 April 2025