Spanish ref suspended after shocking arrest in Gijón
RFEF takes swift action as Second Division referee faces serious allegations of assault on a sex worker, with police finding fake law enforcement gear at his home.
A Spanish Second Division referee has been immediately suspended by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following his arrest in Gijón over alleged sexual assault of a sex worker.
Swift Federation Response
The RFEF didn’t waste any time in addressing the situation, opening an investigation and suspending the official from all football activities with immediate effect. The Federation only learned of the situation Monday through media reports, but quickly implemented precautionary measures pending the resolution of legal proceedings.
Disturbing Allegations
According to local reports, the Asturian referee was arrested after a woman reported sexual assault at a residence in Gijón’s El Llano neighborhood. What makes the case even more concerning:
- The referee allegedly impersonated a national police officer
- Police discovered uniforms and badges from various law enforcement agencies (National Police, Civil Guard, and local police) at his home
- The referee has reportedly been released with charges while remaining under investigation
- Local media suggests he was already subject to a 300-meter restraining order in a separate matter
Football Implications
This shocking case represents another blow to Spanish football’s officiating reputation, which has faced various controversies in recent seasons. The immediate suspension demonstrates the RFEF’s zero-tolerance approach to such serious allegations involving match officials.
The identity of the referee hasn’t been publicly disclosed in most reports, but the football authorities have clearly deemed the situation serious enough to take immediate action while the legal process unfolds.