A UEFA referee has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy, according to reports. The official was accused of unwanted touching and attempting to entice the boy to his hotel room prior to a European clash in the UK, which he had flown in to officiate.
Arrest and investigation
The referee, a foreign national, had departed for the midweek game and was arrested in front of other UEFA officials upon his return. Police are now investigating the incident. A source told the Sun: 'He’d apparently started talking to a boy in a public section of the hotel. He’s accused of touching and groping the boy against his wishes and trying to lure him to his room. It’s shocking and totally inappropriate if true.'
The incident was reported to police while the accused left to officiate at the game. UEFA is investigating the allegation that an official assaulted a teenage boy in the United Kingdom. The official had been lined up to work at the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
UEFA response and bail
UEFA told the Sun: 'We are monitoring the situation with great concern. In the meantime, the official will not be considered for any UEFA competition matches.' The Met Police confirmed to the publication that a man in his 30s was bailed pending an investigation. Daily Mail Sport has contacted UEFA for comment.
