An assistant referee who has officiated at matches in the EFL and FA Cup is to appear in court charged with a sexual offence.
Gareth Viccars is set to appear at Snaresbrook crown court on 7 March when a plea will be entered related to a single charge of sexually penetrating a girl aged between 13 and 15.
Viccars has served as a match official in the EFL since the 2018-19 season but was suspended from his role in August of last year when the police began an investigation into the allegations against him. He has not been involved in a match since the 2023-24 season.
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A spokesperson for Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said: “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.”
The Football Association was not in a position to comment on the case.