Violence towards Division Two Soccer Referees in the Central Region of Ghana

The mishandling of soccer referees is generally unspoken to be the chief cause of a decline in the number of soccer referees in the world. The role of handling the game environment puts the referee in a protuberant situation in sports. However, their judgement is highly exposed to violence in the context of soccer. Referees occupy an important position in the sport, having the duty of managing the game, and are therefore exposed to abusive events. In this regard, the study explored what incites fans, players, coaches, and administrators to abuse Division Two soccer referees in the Central Region of Ghana before, during and after matches. Qualitative exploratory study specifically the phenomenological approach was used for this work. The study surveyed six referees, six supporters, four players and four coaches in the region. This study found that the types of violence that frequently happen on the pitch before, during and after soccer matches in the Central Region of Ghana are quasi-criminal violence and criminal violence. Also, the main causes of violence comprise dissatisfaction with match officials’ disciplinary action, spectators’ dissatisfaction, infrastructure inadequacy, unprofessionalism of security personnel, bribery, coach’s incitement, desire to win at all cost, and substance and drug use. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that most violence occurs after the game. Also, acts of violence against soccer referees can cause distraction and insecurity and result in a decrease in performance. In line with the findings, the study recommends that the respective bodies institute an award scheme for referees who will excel in their matches and punish those who will also indulge themselves in bribery and corruption to change the outcome of matches.