UEFA condemns referee pressure

Intense pressures
Frisk said he was stepping down with immediate effect after receiving threats against himself and his family. The 42-year-old said he had been subjected to intense pressures after taking charge of the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie between FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC three weeks ago.

Support and solidarity
"Following the announcement over the weekend that top international referee Anders Frisk is to retire following threats he has received, UEFA would like to publicly go on record as offering its unconditional support and solidarity to Anders Frisk and his family at this time," UEFA said on Monday. UEFA CEO Lars-Christer Olsson said he had spoken to Frisk, and that his decision to retire was "final".

Johansson shocked
UEFA President Lennart Johansson said he was shocked by the events that had led to Frisk's retirement. "The news that Anders Frisk is to retire following threats is, of course, deeply shocking and disturbing," Mr Johansson said. "We offer our full and unconditional support and solidarity to Anders and, whatever decision he reaches, we strongly condemn anyone that has made these criminal threats.

Tough job
"Top officials these days have to carry out a very tough job in a very highly pressurised environment, and we give them our one hundred per cent backing," the UEFA President continued.

'Wholly unacceptable'
Lars-Christer Olsson added his backing for Frisk. "It is wholly unacceptable that a top international referee, someone who has officiated with great dignity at the highest end of the game, is pressured into retiring in this way," he said.

Best referees
"The officials that are appointed by UEFA for the UEFA Champions League matches are coming from a pool of the best referees in the world, and all managers, coaches and players should support them and their decisions," Mr Olsson went on.

Bringing game into disrepute
"At the same time, we must sanction anyone within the football family who makes inflammatory statements that could jeopardise the security of match officials and their families and brings the game into disrepute. We will not allow the slandering of match officials to become part of pre-match tactics.

Role models
"Managers, coaches and players have become role models for society, especially as far as young people are concerned. With fame also comes responsibility," Mr Olsson said. "Everyone involved in the game should therefore think twice before uttering provocative remarks that could be construed by others as inciting trouble.

Decision to retire is final
"I have been in touch personally with Anders Frisk," the UEFA CEO concluded. "His decision to retire is final and we must respect that. We have agreed to continue discussions on how to prevent this from happening in the future. Anders Frisk will share his experience with us and we will work together on solutions to help referees and other officials to strengthen their position which is absolutely essential for the future of the game."

No respect
In a letter to the world football body FIFA, Frisk said: "I am disappointed to have to quit my post because of the attitude of people who have no respect for human values."

Attack on football
FIFA President Joseph S Blatter responded: "I am shocked by the recent verbal attacks aimed at referees. It is often this irrational behaviour that triggers the anger of supporters. I call upon all parties concerned to show respect for referees and for fair play." Going further, Mr Blatter emphasised that "those who attack referees are directly attacking the game of football that is their livelihood".