The spectators at La Trobe University in Wodonga reportedly confronted a male referee on January 19 after he finished officiating a practice match.

The referee reported the incident to Football Victoria and Murray United was asked to provide a response by last week.

Club chairman Darren Yates confirmed the two people had received an “interim ban” while the incident is investigated.

The Albury Wodonga Soccer Referees Association initially refused to provide referees to officiate in senior NPL trial matches until the club provided them with a safe environment from “bullies”, but an agreement has since been reached.

Security was employed for Saturday’s practice match against the Oakleigh Cannons, held in Wodonga.

“I’m pleased to report that we’ve held positive discussions with Albury Wodonga Soccer Referees Association that have led to improvements to game day security for referees,” Mr Yates said.

“We will continue to work with AWSRA to mitigate risks to referees.

“Our established club culture and values expect all our coaches, players and spectators to behave appropriately and with upmost respect towards referees who provide such an important role in our sport. 

“Unsocial behaviour and any behaviour which threatens the safety of referees is not tolerated at our club.”

AWSRA secretary Sean Farrar made a strong stand after the alleged assault, saying referees had been abused, sworn at, threatened and even assaulted for too long.

“If everyone could start showing a little more respect, then just maybe we could get the game back to what it's meant to be, a game,” he said.

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He told The Border Mail the association was happy with the extra security protections for referees over the weekend.

“We’ll work together for the rest of the year to see what we can do to lesser the impact of people hanging around the referees room and getting close to referees,” he said.

Football Victoria would not comment on the investigation into the Murray United spectators.

It is the policy of the organisation that unless the matter is referred to a tribunal, it does not publicly reveal details of its investigations.

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