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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>EFL assistant referee charged with child sex offence</li><li>Guilty of penetrative sexual activity with underage girl</li><li>Has been suspended since August 2024</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

EFL assistant referee charged with child sex offence following suspension during police investigation

<p>The 46-year-old match official, who has been associated with the English Football League since 2018, has been charged with a child sex offence, according to <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/02/18/efl-assistant-referee-child-sex-offence/" target="_blank"><em>The Telegraph</em></a>. Viccars is due to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on March 7 for the hearing of one charge of penetrative sexual activity with a girl, aged between 13 and 15. He has remained suspended since last August following the launch of a police investigation into the accusation.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>A statement from refereeing board Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) read: "As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr Viccars was immediately suspended. As the matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further."</p>

WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

<p>Other than officiating in EFL matches, Viccars has also worked on FA Cup and Carabao Cup games. His last appearance at a professional game was in March 2024 - a League Two encounter between AFC Wimbledon and Grimsby Town. Before joining the EFL, the referee used to officiate in Premier League 2 competitions featuring youth teams.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Depending on the verdict on March 7, the association will decide on their next course of action regarding the future of the official.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

EFL assistant referee charged with child sex offence following suspension during police investigation | Goal.com

EFL assistant referee Gareth Viccars has been charged with a child sex offence following a police investigation.