Axed top-tier ref sues bosses over ‘bullying’ after claiming he was put in a choke-hold at a training camp

Credit: Getty AN axed top-tier ref is suing bosses — claiming he was put in a choke-hold at a training camp. The unnamed official loses his £100,000-a-year salary as one of five demoted from the Premier League and the Championship next season. An axed top-tier ref is suing bosses claiming he was put in a choke-hold (posed by a model) Credit: Getty The ref is believed to have later acknowledged it was a less aggressive incident (posed by a model) Credit: Getty A source told The Sun that during an appeal process the ref raised the allegation he had been put in a choke-hold by his trainer in front of witnesses in September 2024. He is believed to have later acknowledged it was a less aggressive incident. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But he is still suing Professional Game Match Officials Ltd — now called Pro Ref. The source said: “The refs are promoted and demoted based on performance, and it is sad to see this action being taken.” Meanwhile, about 35 refs were told they had to return money to the organisation after a bungle over performance pay-outs. The source added: “There was talk of rebranding PGMOL after the downfall of Prem ref David Coote. But the rebrand couldn’t have had a worse start.” Pro Ref said in relation to the pay bungle: “We quickly rectified a human processing error whereby a very small number of officials were initially affected either by underpayment or overpayment. All officials will receive what was agreed based on their performance in 2025/26.” The demoted refs have lost their money-spinning jobs and guaranteed salary but can still pick up match fees next season by officiating in Leagues 1 and 2 and the National League. Most read in Sport Up to 15 assistant referees have been told their services will not be required next season owing to a “lack of potential”. The organisation is accused of getting rid of refs to bring in “more diverse, younger officials”.