PARENTS are set to be BANNED from their own children's soccer games for violent and abusive behaviour. Over-zealous adults are said to be turning pitches into battlefields - slugging it out on the sidelines and ruining game after game for their offspring.

Now, a veteran Preston referee has cried 'foul' and has called for a touchline veto, in a bid to restore order.

Official Jim Parker, who has officiated at football league matches for more than 15 years, claims referees are becoming frightened to control games on borough parks as a result of the escalating trend.

Mums and dads, he says, are behaving in a totally unacceptable manner and spoiling what should be friendly games.

Children as young and NINE and TEN are being intimidated - and the situation off the pitch is putting them under too much pressure.

He said: "They think they are being supportive but they go completely over the top. They hurl abuse, are physically dangerous and spoil the game.

"I don't feel parents should be allowed on the touchline. They need some sort of creche to keep them occupied."

In a catalogue of horror stories witnessed by the Ribbleton referee over the past few months, parents have:

ZRun onto the field and attacked referees after penalties were awarded to the opposing team;

ZHit youngsters who 'foul' their children on the field;

ZJeered and heckled players who score for the opposing team

and

ZVerbally abused their children for poor performances on the pitch.

Jim added that the parents of the under nines and ten were the worst offenders.

He said: "They push their children too hard and become too involved. In my opinion, they are trying to make up for their inadequacies as sports people by trying to make their children something special.

"What their actions do, ultimately, is shatter the confidence of the youngsters who obviously aren't perfect.

"At the end of the day, the kids are there to enjoy a game of football which is being ruined by overzealous parents."

If a referee has a problem with crowd abuse, he can report the incident to the Football Association, which can fine the club the fans support.

Jim added: "Unfortunately, those are the rules. But it needs to be taken a step further, to make sure every one feels safe and can start enjoying the park games properly."

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