Latest news with #GarethViccars
Telegraph
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Football League assistant referee charged with 16 child sex offences
A Football League assistant referee has been charged with 16 child sexual offences – including sexual activity with a child – and will face court later this year. Gareth Viccars, 46, a Football League official who has also been selected for FA Cup and League Cup games since 2018, has been charged with 12 counts of sexual activity with a child. In addition, he has been charged with two counts of sexual communication with a child; one count of meeting a child following sexual grooming; and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. In February he was charged with penetrative sexual activity with a girl, aged 13-15 – a charge which now forms part of the current 16 against him. He has been remanded in custody. The trial is scheduled for Snaresbrook Crown Court, in east London, on September 22. Viccars was last appointed to games in March last year. He was an assistant or fourth official in League One and League Two games last season as well as FA Cup ties in the earlier rounds of the competition and Football League Trophy games. Previously he had worked as a referee in Premier League 2, chiefly an under-21s competition, not uncommon for his level of officials. Outside football he most recently worked as an estate agent. Earlier this month a spokesperson for Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, 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.' PGMOL is owned by the Premier League, Football League and the Football Association and organises the officials for the top five tiers of the English game – including the National League that feeds into League Two.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
EFL assistant referee, 46, charged with child sex offence
An assistant referee for the English Football League has been charged with a child sex offence. Gareth Viccars will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7 where a plea will be entered regarding one charge of penetrative sexual activity with a girl, aged 13-15. Viccars, 46, who has officiated in the EFL, and both the FA Cup and EFL Cup, since 2018, was suspended in August following the launch of a police investigation into the accusations against him. He appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court last week and has been remanded in custody. A spokesperson for Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, 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.' According to his profile on Viccars' most recent game was AFC Wimbledon's League Two match against Grimsby Town on March 5 last year. Prior to becoming an official in the EFL, he officiated for almost three years in the Premier League 2 competition, which takes place between clubs' Under-21 teams. While pursuing a career as an assistant referee, Viccars also worked as an office manager for an estate agent, having previously set up an IT company. The Football Association has been approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
EFL assistant referee, 46, charged with child sex offence
An assistant referee for the English Football League has been charged with a child sex offence. Gareth Viccars will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7 where a plea will be entered regarding one charge of penetrative sexual activity with a girl, aged 13-15. Viccars, 46, who has officiated in the EFL, and both the FA Cup and EFL Cup, since 2018, was suspended in August following the launch of a police investigation into the accusations against him. He appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court last week and has been remanded in custody. A spokesperson for Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, 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.' According to his profile on Viccars' most recent game was AFC Wimbledon's League Two match against Grimsby Town on March 5 last year. Prior to becoming an official in the EFL, he officiated for almost three years in the Premier League 2 competition, which takes place between clubs' Under-21 teams. While pursuing a career as an assistant referee, Viccars also worked as an office manager for an estate agent, having previously set up an IT company.
