This week in Parliament, Mark called on the Minister for Sport to hold discussions with the Home Office and the FA about introducing lifetime club bans for people convicted of threats of violence against referees, players, and their family members.
According to the FA, allegations of assault and attempted assault of match officials in grassroots football in the 2023/24 season increased by 32% compared to 2022-23.
The total number of serious offence allegations against match officials, which include verbal abuse and/or threats as well as well as physical assaults, rose 17% from 1,451 to 1,716.
In response, the Minister for Sport said: "As private businesses, football clubs have a right to ban individual supporters from attending matches or accessing club facilities; a power rooted in their responsibility to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans. These bans are a decision to be taken at club-level."
Mark said:
"Sometimes the beautiful game can still get ugly. There should be no place in amateur or professional football for violence or threatening behaviour by - or towards - referees, players, fans or family members. Sadly, abuse is still far too common. I hope the FA and clubs take action to call it out and sanction those involved."
