County FA investigating Sandy Lane racial abuse claims made by ex Premier League ref

Ex Premier League referee Keith Hackett, writing for You Are The Ref, alleged that Sheffield referee Mehdi Najefi has ‘resigned from the game’ following the incident during a recent Tigers game.

Hackett said: “Having watched a referee develop and grow in stature, officiating games in Sheffield, it was very disappointing to receive a call from him announcing his resignation having been racially abused at a game at Worksop Town.

“Mehdi Najefi was racially abused whilst running the line at Worksop Town fact and that is why this intelligent young man has resigned from the game.”

Najefi was one of the referee’s assistants for the Worksop game on 23rd December against Penistone Church at Sandy Lane.

A Worksop Town spokesperson said: “The club are awaiting more details over the incident before it acts further but is of course aware of the claims.”

Meanwhile the County FA say they hope to conclude their investigation this week.

“We are aware of the incident which is currently being investigated,” a spokesperson said.

“We hope to have this concluded by the end of the week. At this point no further comments can be made due to the investigation still being in process.”