AN ASSISTANT referee who officiated EFL and FA Cup matches is due to appear in court charged with a child sex offence. Gareth Viccars, 46, is facing one charge of penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15. The assistant referee appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court last week and has been remanded in custody. On March 3, he will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London where a plea will be entered.
![[A female soccer assistant referee stands on the field holding a flag.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/soccer-assistant-linesman-referee-woman-972926581.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which is responsible for the refereeing of games in professional English football, suspended Viccars while the police investigation was ongoing. It is also understood that Viccars has not officiated any games this season. A PGMOL spokesperson told Sky Sports News: "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.".
