Neill Crawshaw, chairman of the Pembrokeshire Referees Society, has spoken out about what he described as a serious and damaging pattern of bad behaviour experienced by refs across Pembrokeshire.

He said: "As chairman of Pembrokeshire Referees Society, I feel obligated to speak out about the increasingly unacceptable behaviour, hostility and abuse being directed towards match officials across our county.

The calls for better behaviour at football matches come a month after violence broke out on the pitch at an under 15s game (Image: Supplied)

"The situation is serious, it is damaging our game, and it cannot be allowed to continue."

Mr Crawshaw said referees were becoming 'disillusioned and frustrated' and warned that the ongoing abuse was driving experienced and new referees out of the game.

He said: "Some have already made it clear that this season will be their last.

"We risk losing experienced officials who have dedicated years to Pembrokeshire football, alongside newer referees who should represent its future."

Mr Crawshaw's comments come a month after a youth football match between Hakin United and Pennar Robins erupted into violence.

The incident happened during an under-15s tie in Milford Haven on Saturday, September 12.

Footage shared online showed two men arguing on the pitch before a player appears to kick one of them. The fight then spills onto the sidelines, where one man appears to kick the other, who then falls to the ground.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed it was investigating the incident.

Mr Crawshaw called on the Pembrokeshire Football League, clubs, coaches, and supporters to take 'collective responsibility' and to challenge unacceptable behaviour both on and off the pitch.

He said: "Respect cannot simply be a slogan. It must be demonstrated through actions."

He stressed that mistakes by referees were part of the game, but nothing excused threats or bullying.

"No mistake, no disputed decision and no result ever justifies personal abuse, threats or intimidation."

To those who believe abusing referees is simply part of football, you are part of the problem, and you are driving people away from the game.

He added that the consequences of continued abuse could be severe, with fixtures affected and matches possibly going uncovered if referee numbers continued to fall.

Mr Crawshaw added: "We need the league, clubs and Referees Society working together to agree meaningful steps to protect our officials and the future of our game.

"Protect our referees. Respect our referees. Hold those responsible for abuse accountable. Because without referees, there is no football.

"The time for talking is over. The time for action is now."