Referee observer banned for discriminatory comments made at Kenilworth Road
Brian Curson suspended for nine weeks and fined £200
A referee match observer has been given a nine-week ban after being found guilty of making discriminatory comments before Luton Town’s League One fixture against Rotherham United at Kenilworth Road last season.
Back in May of this year, it was announced that Brian Curson was facing potential action from the Football Association after being charged for allegedly using ‘abusive or insulting’ language with reference to ‘race, ethnic origin or nationality’ ahead of the third tier fixture in November 2025 that finished goalless.
A statement from the FA at the time said: “It's alleged Brian Curson acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words before the fixture, which is contrary to FA Rule E3.1 It's further alleged that this constitutes an 'Aggravated Breach', which is defined in FA Rule E3.2 as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality. Brian Curson has until Friday 8 May 2026 to provide a response.”
Although the charge was denied by Curson, who has been involved in football for more than 40 years, claiming he didn’t recall making the comments, an independent commission ruled that ‘on the balance of probabilities’, he had done so, as, aside from the suspension, he was fined £200, ordered to undertake a mandatory education programme and warned as to his future conduct. A statement from the FA added: “An independent Regulatory Commission has sanctioned a referee match observer for breaching FA Rule E3.
“It was alleged that Brian Curson acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words, which is contrary to FA Rule E3.1, while he attended an EFL League One fixture between Luton Town and Rotherham United. It was further alleged that this constitutes an ‘Aggravated Breach’, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as the words included a reference - whether express or implied - to ethnic origin and/or race and/or nationality.
"The referee match observer subsequently denied the charge and the Regulatory Commission found it to be proven following a hearing. The Regulatory Commission also imposed a nine-week suspension from all football and football-related activity; a £200 fine; a mandatory education programme; and a warning as to future conduct.”