Prior to the Allsvenskan football season, SVT Sport conducted a survey with the Allsvenskan referees – both the head referees and the assistant referees.

76 percent stated that they were subjected to some form of threat or harassment by supporters and/or audience last year.

"Don't take it personally"

The assistant referee Mehmet Culum, who refereed the Euro 2021, says in the SVT Play documentary "The person behind the "referee devil"" that it is common with derogatory comments.

"I'm surprised that you are allowed to behave in any way you want when you come to an arena or sports ground. How to be allowed to call judges x number of gender words. For example, that it's okay to talk shit about a referee who missed an incorrect penalty, he says, and elaborates:

– That you can do it this openly and that it is acceptable. But you can't do that in your everyday life, it would never happen in a "normal" workplace. But it is accepted in sporting contexts. That it is so, I do not get it into my head.

What's the worst thing you've heard?

"That they're going to kill my children.

It is at that level, then?

"Yes, but I don't take it personally. It is in the heat of the moment that someone throws it out. But I don't hear it. You don't connect.

See "The Person Behind "The Judge Devil"" here

"Got to live at another address"

SVT Sport's survey also shows that 12.5 percent have protected personal data because of their judgment, and the same number have considered quitting.

Head Judge Fredrik Klitte, who was named Judge of the Year last year, explains that he himself has not experienced any incidents that have been really threatening, but recognizes the problem.

"It's definitely not common, but some of my colleagues have had to live at another address," he says.

Fredrik Klitte also wants to state that he believes that the vast majority of the audience behaves well.

"I think you have to zoom out, because a lot of times it's not a person they want to address, it's the referee role that's at stake. Of course it's really sad when it happens, but we have to think about all the amazing experiences we have.

Quick questions to the elite referee

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