46-year-old Football League referee charged with sexually abusing underage girl

An assistant referee who officiated an FA Cup match has been charged with sexually abusing a child

Gareth Vicars, 46, from Milton Keynes, has been accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old girl in November 2021.

He appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court earlier this month on the charge, which is against the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Vicars will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court again on March 7, where he is expected to plead not guilty.

Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which officiates matches in English professional football, has suspended Vicars 'immediately' as police investigate the allegations.

A spokesman said: 'As soon as the allegations were uncovered, Mr Vicars was immediately suspended.

"As the matter remains under police investigation, we are unable to comment further."