A Pro Ref referee observer has been suspended for nine weeks and fined £200 for making discriminatory remarks after a match he was working at.
Brian Curson had visited Kenilworth Road to assess the officials at the League One fixture between Luton Town and Rotherham United on 15 November 2025.
An allegation was made that Curson made two discriminatory comments in the lounge at Luton’s stadium after the game, which led to the Football Association investigation.
Curson was charged with acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and/or insulting words.
It was considered an ‘aggravated breach’, using words which included a reference – whether express or implied – to ethnic origin, race or nationality.
Curson, who no longer works for Pro Ref, said that he did not recall making the comments but the FA commission “was satisfied on the balance of probabilities” that they had been made.
The FA requested a time-based sanction because of Curson’s role in the sport, as a player would serve a suspension of between nine and 12 matches.
It was determined that, taking into account Curson’s experience and role on the day of the match, he should be suspended for nine weeks.
Curson was also told he must attend a mandatory education programme, and received a warning as to future conduct.