ClubLiverpool FC supports launch of 2026 REFspect campaign
Liverpool FC is once again backing the annual REFspect campaign, with national awareness weekends set to take place across the country.
REFspect’s mission is to promote respect for football referees at all levels of the game, with a particular focus on grassroots football.
The campaign works closely with key organisations such as the Football Association, the Professional Footballers’ Association, Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and County Football Associations to raise awareness of the challenges referees face and take meaningful steps to address them.
National REFspect awareness weekends are taking place over April 18-19 and April 25-26, and will be marked at midweek games too.
The initiative aims to improve the behaviour of parents and spectators, reducing incidents of poor touchline conduct. By fostering a more positive environment, the campaign seeks to retain existing referees and encourage more individuals to take up officiating in the sport.
As part of this year’s campaign, DXTL (Don’t X The Line) REFspect t-shirts will be worn by PGMOL officials across Premier League grounds. Match officials will wear and promote these t-shirts during warm-ups, demonstrating their commitment to supporting referees at grassroots and youth football levels across the UK.
Malcolm Lee, founder of REFspect, said: “We are proud to launch the REFspect campaign for 2026. Our goal remains clear: to tackle bullying and harassment in grassroots football and create a culture where referees, especially young officials, feel safe and supported.
“We envision a football landscape where respect is at the heart of the game, ensuring that match officials are treated with fairness and dignity.
“Seeing match officials from the Premier League to grassroots level unite in wearing REFspect t-shirts is a huge statement of solidarity. It reinforces our message that respect for referees should be universal, at every level of the game.”