Top referees Richard Beeby and Pete Walton, who have both officiated at the highest level of the game, warned that attacks could prevent new blood from coming into the sport.
They spoke out after Martin Galvin, aged 31, appeared at Northampton Mag
istrates' Court, charged with assaulting referee Paul Durrant during a five-a-side league game in Weston Favell on May 13.
The attack happened after Galvin's Northys Lights side found themselves behind in a bad-tempered game against Bearward Engineering.
Magistrates heard Galvin and his team-mates had become gradually more abusive about decisions made by Mr Durrant.
The tension culminated when the Northys Lights goalkeeper conceded a goal and looked about to be sent off for arguing with Mr Durrant.
According to the witness statement of one player, an off-duty policeman, Galvin walked up to Durrant and punched him once in the face, knocking him to the ground, before turning and walking off the pitch.
Galvin, who the court heard was already on an anger management course at the time, was later arrested for assault, which he admitted.
His team has subsequently been banned for life from all Inter Soccer's leagues across the UK.
John Weaver, defending, said: "Galvin maintains that whenever his team protested at what they thought was an unfair decision, they were met with a volley of abuse from the referee himself."
The case was adjourned until later this month for sentencing. Derek Loud, chairman of the bench, said: "The fact of the matter is that a ref is untouchable and that's it. Without him there would be no game."
The case is the latest in a long line of attacks on officials. Premier League referee Mr Walton, from Flore, said: "I would like to see this man banned from football."
Fellow whistler Richard Beeby, who retired from officiating earlier this year, added: "Such behaviour is unjustifiable.
"Things like this make life hard for the Northamptonshire FA to promote the game to youngsters."
n Peter Walton (left) and Richard Beeby (right) are angry at violence towards officials
