The Football Association has handed referee observer Brian Curson a nine-week suspension and a £200 fine after finding him guilty of making discriminatory comments.
The incident followed a League One encounter between Luton Town and Rotherham United at Kenilworth Road on November 15, 2025, where Curson was assigned to assess the match officials.
He later faced an investigation over allegations that he made two discriminatory remarks in the stadium lounge after the game. The comments were deemed an aggravated breach because they allegedly referenced ethnicity, race or nationality.
Although Curson, who has more than 40 years of experience in football, said he could not remember making the remarks, an independent FA commission upheld the allegations.
In a statement on X on Wednesday, the commission said it was “satisfied on the balance of probabilities” that Curson had made the comments.
The FA sought a suspension based on a specific period, taking into account his position as a referee observer and the responsibilities attached to the role.
The commission noted that players found guilty of similar offences would typically face bans of between nine and 12 matches. However, it settled on a nine-week suspension, considering Curson’s experience and involvement in the fixture.
He was also directed to complete a compulsory education programme and issued a formal warning over his future conduct, alongside the £200 fine.
