Brian Curson suspended for nine weeks over discriminatory remarks

Referee match observer Brian Curson has been suspended from all football and football-related activity for nine weeks after an independent regulatory commission found a discrimination charge proven. The Football Association announced the outcome on Wednesday, November 11, confirming a £200 fine, compulsory education and a warning about his future conduct.

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The case concerned Curson's attendance at Luton Town's League One fixture against Rotherham United at Kenilworth Road on November 15, 2025. BBC Sport reported that he was there to assess the match officials and that allegations about two comments in the stadium lounge prompted an FA investigation. He no longer works for Pro Ref, according to the broadcaster.

The FA brought the case under Rule E3.1, covering improper conduct and abusive or insulting language. It also alleged an aggravated breach under Rule E3.2 because the words referred, directly or indirectly, to ethnic origin, race or nationality. Curson denied the charge, but the commission found it established following a hearing, the governing body's announcement said.

The commission's written reasons explain that it applied the balance-of-probabilities standard. It concluded that two remarks about spectators amounted to improper stereotyping linked to ethnic origin or nationality. Curson said he did not remember making the comments. The panel found that differences in witnesses' recollections of the surrounding conversation did not materially undermine their agreement about what he had said.

In setting the punishment, the commission considered Curson's experience, his responsibilities as an observer and the fact that there had been two discriminatory comments. It accepted his long, clean disciplinary record, cooperation with the investigation and a positive character reference as mitigating factors. However, it declined to treat the possibility that the remarks were an ill-judged attempt at humour as a reason to reduce their seriousness.

The panel agreed that a suspension measured in time was appropriate for his role. It also imposed a financial penalty despite recognising the income he would lose during the ban. Alongside the suspension and fine, Curson must attend the education programme specified by the FA. The written reasons state that the decision may be appealed under the applicable regulations.