A member of the English Football League’s assistant referee team, Gareth Viccars, has been accused of a child sex offense. The 46-year-old is set to face trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7 in connection to a charge of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a minor aged between 13 to 15 years old. Viccars, who has been officiating matches in the EFL, as well as the FA Cup and EFL Cup, since 2018, was suspended in August after allegations were made against him, leading to a police investigation. He made an appearance at Willesden Magistrates Court recently and has been detained in custody.
Professional Game Match Officials Ltd’s spokesperson addressed the situation, stating that upon the emergence of the accusations, Viccars was promptly suspended. Due to the ongoing police inquiry, no further comments can be provided. As per Viccars’ profile on worldfootball.net, his most recent officiating role was in AFC Wimbledon’s League Two game against Grimsby Town on March 5 the previous year.
Before joining the EFL as an official, Viccars spent nearly three years officiating in the Premier League 2 tournament, which involves clubs’ Under-21 teams. Alongside his assistant referee career, he held a position as an office manager at a real estate agency, having previously founded an IT company. The Football Association has been contacted for their input on the matter.
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