Stephen Graham Faces FA Probe Over Offensive Remarks to Referee
British actor Stephen Graham, renowned for his roles in “Line of Duty” and “Boiling Point,” is under investigation by the Football Association (FA) following an incident at a non-league football match in Leicestershire.
During the game, Graham reportedly directed a series of expletive-laden insults at referee David Kennedy, including calling him a “f*ing Teletubby” and a “fat useless tt.” Witnesses also noted that Graham made a crude reference to a sex act during his tirade.
The altercation led to an eight-minute delay in the match, as the referee halted play until Graham vacated the touchline.
Although Graham later apologized to Kennedy, expressing regret for his behavior, the FA is conducting a probe into the incident.
Potential repercussions for Graham could include a ban from attending future matches or sanctions against the team he was supporting, such as point deductions due to fan misconduct.
This event has brought to light broader concerns regarding the abuse faced by referees at various levels of football.
The FA has been actively working to address such issues through initiatives like the “Enough Is Enough” campaign, which aims to combat abuse directed at match officials and promote respect within the sport.
Graham, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his actions, admitted that his passion for football can sometimes lead to excessive reactions.
He expressed deep remorse for the incident and emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and respect during matches.