Refs in call for player ID cards

Referees in the Black Country want Sunday League players to be issued with photo identity cards in a bid to stop violence at football matches.

The radical plan follows an attempted assault on West Bromwich referee Steven Durnall by Tipton Kings Arms player Christopher Yewen.

The Express & Star revealed yesterday how Yewen, aged 25, from Greensill Avenue in Princes End, pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault when he appeared before West Bromwich magistrates.

He admitted punching a team mate and twice trying to butt the referee after being sent off in a Sandwell Sunday League clash between Tipton Kings Arms and Tipton Sports last November and is due to be sentenced next month.

But referee chiefs in the borough insist more action is needed to stamp out violence against officials.

Herville Hector, vice chairman of the Warley Referees Association, said many assaults go unreported.

He said the association had submitted a formal proposal to the Birmingham County FA calling for photo ID cards for players registered with the league.

Under the plan, a laminated copy would be kept by league bosses, the clubs and by every single player.

Players would hand in their cards to the referee before each game and the official could then keep hold of the ID of any individual who was involved in violence during or after a match.

Mr Hector explained that this would cut down on the risk of people fleeing following an assault without giving in their details.