An assistant referee who has worked on FA Cup matches has been charged with a child sex offence. Gareth Vicars, 46, from Milton Keynes, is accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl in November 2021. He appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court earlier this month charged with the offence, which is contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Vicars will next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7, when it is expected he will be asked to enter a plea.
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which is responsible for the refereeing of games in professional English football, ‘immediately’ suspended Vicars once the police began investigating the allegation. A spokesperson said: ‘As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr Viccars was immediately suspended. ‘As the matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further.’.
Vicars has not officiated an EFL fixture since last year. He last appeared on the pitch as the fourth official for the League One clash between Charlton Athletic and Derby County in February 2024. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk. For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Couple rented out ‘grossly overcrowded’ flat with 23 people living in it where tenant died in fire.
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