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'I've had knives pulled on me. I've had death threats… and it's getting WORSE': Grassroots referees share their harrowing experiences as Mail Sport launches campaign to stop the abuse

Related Topics: Ian Ladyman

Two young referees have revealed the extent of the abuse that forced them to walk away from officiating in interviews for Mail Sport’s It’s All Kicking Off podcast.

Rhys Baldwin took the decision to quit refereeing in April after 11 years. The 25-year-old shockingly explained how he had knives pulled on him and his car keyed in response to refereeing decisions he made in matches.

Baldwin told Mail Sport’s Football Editor Ian Ladyman that he believes behaviour of players and coaches has increasingly worsened as they replicate the actions of Premier League stars.