Football referee in sectarian posting row won't be prosecuted

Tuesday 11 December 2012

A former referee investigated by police for alleged anti-Catholic messages posted online after an Old Firm match will not be prosecuted.

Jeff Winter's home in Middlesbrough was searched by officers from Strathclyde Police's national football co-ordination unit in September.

The investigation was prompted by allegations that sectarian remarks were posted on the former Barclays Premier League referee's website after Celtic beat Rangers 1-0 in December last year.

Mr Winter's legal team at Glasgow-based Bridge Litigation said proceedings will be going no further."We confirm that comments posted on the website of Jeff Winter have been the subject of a full and thorough investigation by Strathclyde Police," a statement said."We have been informed by the procurator fiscal's office that the results of this investigation have now been fully reviewed and considered by them."We are advised that no prosecution of Jeff Winter is currently anticipated in respect of these matters."A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "Following a full and thorough investigation into a complaint regarding online offensive comments, officers submitted a subject report to the procurator fiscal on the circumstances, the outcome of which was insufficient evidence to proceed at this time."Mr Winter said he was "delighted" at the news."Strathclyde Police conducted an investigation that included a search of my home in September of this year. Subsequent to this search I have been informed by my solicitor Liam O'Donnell that I am no longer under investigation," he said."I am delighted with this news that ends almost 12 months of real stress and concern for myself, my family and associates."The national football co-ordination unit was set up to police football matches across Scotland and to tackle disorder, violence, sectarianism and hate crime associated with the game.Mr Winter refereed hundreds of football matches in England, ending his career after the 2004 FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Millwall.

Contextual targeting label:

Sport

Commenting & Moderation

We moderate all comments on HeraldScotland on either a pre-moderated or post-moderated basis. If you're a relatively new user then your comments will be reviewed before publication and if we know you well then your comments will be subject to moderation only if other users or the moderators believe you've broken the rules, which are available here.

Moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. Please be patient if your posts are not approved instantly.

Football referee in sectarian posting row won't be prosecuted

Commenting & Moderation

MOST READ

SPONSORED LINKS

MOST COMMENTED