Pitch attack will always stay with me, says referee

ABUSE DURING MATCH INSPIRED MAN TO CREATE APP FOR FOOTBALL OFFICIALS IN TROUBLE

- RAMAZANI MWAMBA

A REFEREE who was racially abused during a football game has created an app to help officials in distress.

At just 16 years old, Rohan Anand was called a racial slur after he sent off a player for a dangerous tackle.

The incident occurred during a men's game at Wythenshawe Sports Ground 11 years ago. It's a moment that's stuck with him and shaped his life.

Speaking to the M.E.N. about the incident, he said: "I remember it quite vividly actually, "There was a foul I gave on the halfway line. It was clear as day to me that it was a two-footed one.

"He's got up and I've sent him off straightaway and he's just looked at me and was like 'you f***ing p**i'. He pretty much shouted in my face.

"All the other players grabbed him straight away and I was just in shock.

I wasn't sure exactly what had happened and I was just numb for the rest of the game and got through it.

"When I got back in the car I was just like 'wow." Reflecting on the harrowing moment, Rohan praised the conduct of the other players and coaches for how they supported him that day.

"The players were really good about it," he explained.