Actor Stephen Graham faces football ban from FA after expletive rant led to match postponement
Actor Stephen Graham is facing an FA investigation after launching a foul-mouthed tirade at a referee during a non-league football match at Barrow Town in Leicestershire.
The Line of Duty star, 51, called referee David Kennedy a “f***ing Teletubby” and a “fat useless t**t” during the match last Saturday.
The incident caused an eight-minute delay to the game, with Kennedy refusing to continue until Graham left the touchline.
The actor, who was watching his nephew play, has since apologised “profusely” and is reportedly “mortified” by his behaviour.
Witnesses reported that Graham “snapped for no reason” during the match between Barrow Town and Heather St John’s Reserves.
The actor accused Kennedy of being on a “power trip” and reportedly shouted: “Look at the state of you, you fat t**t.”
A source told The Sun: “His behaviour was absolutely disgusting. The referee was so horrified, along with everyone else.”
“He, rightly, refused to continue with the match until Graham left. Eventually he agreed to go and sit in the bar so the game could continue.”
The match ultimately ended in a 3-0 defeat for Barrow Town.
Graham reportedly attempted to apologise to Kennedy immediately after the match but was advised to go home.
Two days later, the actor called Kennedy directly to express his regret, reportedly saying: “I’m sorry, I don’t know what it is about football, it turns me into a Neanderthal.”
“I need to do some soul searching and work out why I behaved the way I did,” Graham added during the phone call.
A source close to the Boiling Point star said: “He’s a very passionate football supporter but understands nothing can justify his actions.”
Graham was attending the match with his 17-year-old son Alfie, who was reportedly left “mortified” by his father’s behaviour.
The actor, who lives with his family in Ibstock, Leicester, was there to support his nephew who plays for Barrow Town.
The incident comes amid a significant rise in abuse towards match officials, which prompted the FA to launch its “Enough Is Enough” campaign last year.
The campaign aims to stamp out discriminatory behaviour towards officials both on and off the pitch.
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The Leicestershire and Rutland County FA confirmed they are investigating the incident.
In a statement, they said: “We have been in contact with the Match Official to offer our support and we are carrying out a full investigation into the matter.”
“Offences against Match Officials are treated with the utmost seriousness – we strongly condemn any abusive or unacceptable behaviour towards our Match Officials,” the statement continued.
The FA revealed it is supporting the local body in its investigation, which could result in Graham being banned from attending future matches.