The Football Association (FA) has suspended referee observer Brian Curson for nine weeks and fined him £200 after finding him guilty of making discriminatory remarks following a League One match between Luton Town and Rotherham United.
Curson, who has been involved in football for more than 40 years, was at Kenilworth Road on November 15, 2025, to assess the performance of match officials during the fixture.
However, he was subsequently investigated following allegations that he made two discriminatory comments in the stadium’s lounge after the match.
The FA charged him with acting in an improper manner and/or using abusive and insulting words.
The alleged remarks were classified as an aggravated breach because they included references, either directly or indirectly, to ethnic origin, race or nationality.
Although Curson said he could not recall making the comments, an independent FA commission concluded that the allegations had been established.
According to the commission on X on Wednesday, it was “satisfied on the balance of probabilities” that Curson had made the discriminatory remarks.
The FA requested a time-based suspension, taking into consideration Curson’s position as a referee observer and his responsibilities within the game.
The commission noted that a player committing a similar offence would typically receive a suspension ranging from nine to 12 matches.
However, considering Curson’s experience and his role at the match, the commission determined that a nine-week suspension was appropriate.
In addition to the suspension and £200 fine, Curson was ordered to attend a mandatory education programme and received a formal warning over his future conduct.
The punishment highlights the FA’s disciplinary measures against discriminatory language and misconduct within football, including incidents involving officials and other individuals entrusted with responsibilities in the game.
