A referee abandoned a junior football game in the Midlands - after sending off the CROWD for verbally abusing him. Malcolm Murray, who has been a ref for 28 years, had warned the parents of two young teams to calm their aggressive behaviour and move away from behind the goals. But when they continued with their unsporting rants, the man in black showed them all the red card - and abandoned the match. Within minutes the pitch was stormed by the angry supporters who had been shouting the abuse. But Mr Murray refused to budge and ordered both teams back to the changing rooms. The astonishing scenes took place at an under-13s match between Malvern Town Wanderers and Hadley Rangers, who play in the Mercian League. Trouble started when former Torquay United player Mr Murray asked a number of parents to move from behind the goal because they were distracting the young players. When one parent, in particular, refused three requests to shift, he blew the final whistle. In the 50 years Ive been involved in football, Ive never known such badly behaved parents, he said. They needed to be taught a lesson. The problem of aggressive parents at matches has been getting worse over the last two or three years. Theres so much money in football that all these children think they can go into the multi-million pound bracket and parents are encouraging them in the wrong way. They think theyre all down at Old Trafford with Alex Ferguson. Simon Quilley, club secretary of Malvern Town Wanderers, last night said: Aggressive parents are quite a problem in the Mercian League. From time to time the league sends out letters to emphasise the need to control parents who attend matches. Mercian League chairman George Silverman hit out at parents last year for encouraging violence between players. Now an official match report into the latest incident has gone to the Worcestershire FA and the Mercian League management committee. But Mr Murray said that he would not be deterred from refereeing and would continue to stamp down on bad behaviour. It will never put me off, he said. Ive had to deal with some football hardmen in the past. When youve been talked to by people like Dave Mackay and Norman Hunter, I dont think a 13 year-old child or his mum and dad will beat me. Daniel Jones, the secretary of Hadley Rangers, said he could not comment on what had happened until he saw the match report. But he added: Were a Charter Standard club and we want to ensure everyone in football enjoys themselves and behaves. Last night, the boss of a neighbouring boys football side commended Mr Murray on his tough stance. Bob Barnes, secretary of Ledbury Swifts FC, said: Malcolm is an experienced referee, who is always very fair, especially with the kids. Im not surprised about this incident. Only on Friday, Malcolm had to warn the parents of a team we played about their conduct. Hes sent off parents before for their behaviour by the side of the pitch. A lot of parents want to live their dreams through their children and you hear some dreadful things, with dads shouting for their kids to break the legs of opponents. The teams in our league will be right behind Malcolm on this. | 
