Referee Observer Suspended for Discriminatory Comments

The Football Association (FA) has suspended referee observer Brian Curson for nine weeks and fined him £200. This comes after he was found guilty of making discriminatory remarks after a League One match between Luton Town and Rotherham United.

Curson, who has over 40 years in football, was at Kenilworth Road on November 15, 2025. He was there to assess how the match officials performed during the game.

But he faced an investigation after claims that he made two discriminatory comments in the stadium lounge following the match. The FA charged him with acting improperly and/or using abusive and insulting language.

These comments were seen as an aggravated breach because they mentioned ethnic origin, race or nationality, either directly or indirectly. Although Curson claimed he could not remember making the comments, an independent FA commission found the allegations were proven.

On Wednesday, the commission posted on X that it was "satisfied on the balance of probabilities" that Curson did make the discriminatory remarks. The FA asked for a time-based suspension, taking into account Curson’s role as a referee observer and his duties in the sport.

The commission pointed out that a player committing a similar offense would usually get a suspension between nine and 12 matches. But because of Curson’s experience and his position at the game, the commission decided on a nine-week suspension.

Along with the suspension and £200 fine, Curson must attend a mandatory education program. He also received a formal warning about his future behavior. This punishment shows the FA’s serious approach to dealing with discriminatory language and misconduct in football, especially from officials and others who have responsibilities in the sport.