Football referee Bhupinder Singh Gill supported after racial abuse

Police are continuing to investigate after assistant referee Bhupinder Singh Gill was allegedly subjected to racist abuse from the stands during Portsmouth’s 1-1 draw with Oxford United last Saturday.

The incident occurred as Gill was officiating the match, sparking outrage within the football community.

Black, Asian & mixed heritage referees group BAMRef has confirmed that they are providing support to Gill following the abuse. The group advocates for the protection and representation of minority referees in the sport. Portsmouth and Oxford United have condemned the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The statement from BAMRef said: “BAMRef is providing support to Bhupinder Singh Gill as we do with all of our officials after he was racially abused during Saturday’s Championship game between Portsmouth and Oxford.

“It remains an indictment on our game that officials of colour are still acutely aware that every game in which they are involved carries the risk of racist abuse.

“As such we call on the authorities to set out the action being taken in this case.

“We will work with the PGMOL, the club ad the FA to establish the facts. But we also call for a swift resolution to the investigation, so that all officials can be reassured that significant measures are in place to protect them.”