WSL Referee Lisa Benn Files Employment Tribunal Against PGMOL Over Alleged Harassment Incident

LSL referee Lisa Benn has launched an employment tribunal against Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), citing unfair treatment after she reported an alleged incident of physical intimidation by a senior coach. Benn, 34, alleges that Steve Child, a PGMOL referee coach and former Premier League assistant referee, forcibly pushed her onto a pitch during a training session in March 2023, prompting her to file a complaint. The tribunal heard that following the incident, PGMOL reportedly downgraded its recommendation of Benn, jeopardizing her position on FIFA’s international referee list.

Benn testified that she was assured by PGMOL’s chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, and his wife, Bibi Steinhaus-Webb, then head of women’s refereeing, that she would not face repercussions for coming forward. However, the organization’s investigation concluded that Child’s actions did not meet the criteria for disciplinary action, a finding Benn disputes.

The alleged altercation occurred during a PGMOL-organized tournament to train officials on video assistant referees (VAR), a system not yet implemented in women’s football. The session was paused after a player suffered a serious injury, and Benn claims Child grew frustrated, grabbing her arm and shoving her onto the field. She later described the game as becoming heated, with Child instructing a fourth official to tell her to “kill the game,” to which she retorted, “Don’t tell me how to referee,” and used an expletive.

Benn emphasized the perceived gender bias in the incident, stating that Child’s behavior would not have been tolerated with male referees. Jesse Crozier, representing PGMOL, suggested the alleged actions were minor, such as a gentle nudge, but Benn denied this, noting she had not observed similar conduct toward male colleagues.

The tribunal was told that Child allegedly warned Benn post-game that her “card had been marked,” with Benn describing his anger as visibly intense. Crozier questioned how such an act could go unnoticed in a crowded training environment, but Benn countered that the situation was private and not witnessed publicly.

The hearing continues as Benn seeks to challenge PGMOL’s handling of her complaint and its impact on her career. The case has sparked broader discussions about gender equality and accountability within football officiating structures.