Two football fans arrested after ‘misogynistic abuse’ chanted at female referee | UK News

Two teenage boys have been arrested after misogynistic abuse was aimed at a female referee.

The fans were arrested during Birmingham City’s win over Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday for alleged misogynistic chanting aimed at match official Rebecca Welsh

West Midlands Police say the two 17-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of committing a public order offence.

A spokesman said: ‘We have arrested two boys for misogynistic chanting at the female referee during Birmingham City’s home game at St Andrew’s today.

‘Our officers heard the chants being directed at the official and acted quickly to arrest the two, who are both 17.’

Ahead of the match, Birmingham warned supporters about their behaviour against match officials, saying Ms Welch faced ‘sexist and misogynistic’ chants during her previous match at St Andrew’s, against Preston.

A club spokesman told Sky News: ‘Prior to Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Sheffield Wednesday, a statement was issued on BCFC.com encouraging supporters to be respectful towards the match officials.

‘The football club are, therefore, deeply disappointed that two supporters were overheard by West Midlands Police officers engaging in misogynistic chanting towards today’s referee and are currently in custody on suspicion of a public order offence.

‘Birmingham City strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and will support the police with their enquiries.’

Birmingham won the match 2-1, which earned new manager Wayne Rooney his first victory in charge of the club.

Ms Welch was the first woman to officiate a Championship match when she took charge of Birmingham’s clash with Preston in January.

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