The world’s most famous referee, Mark Clattenburg, is spearheading Leisure Leagues campaign to give bullying the Red Card.

The former Premier League whistle-blower, has teamed up with the world’s largest provider of community football leagues to ensure that no one is left to suffer.

“As a referee I had to deal with plenty of dissent in my time, but I have a real dislike for bullies. I have seen just what the consequences can be of this awful behaviour and I am proud to stand with the world’s largest provider of community sport to say ‘no more,“ said Mark, who is now works in Greece as the lead referee.

“These small sided leagues that Leisure Leagues run are home to over one million players from every corner of the globe. It is vital that we take the lead in eradicating any form of discrimination from our great sport.”

Leisure Leagues Jon D’Arcy echoed those thoughts and added: “It is central to the ethos of Leisure Leagues all over the world that everyone is welcomed. We are proud to be the leaders in the most inclusive sport in the world, and we send this message to the bullies: you aren’t welcome here.”

The firm has pledged to outlaw any form of discrimination from its competitions with a lifetime ban, with Jon confirming: “When we say zero tolerance that is what we mean.”

The theme of this year’s anti bullying week is United Against Bullying, with the Anti Bullying Alliance saying in a statement: “This year, more than ever, we’ve witnessed the positive power that society can have when we come together to tackle a common challenge.

“Anti-Bullying Week is no different. Bullying has a long lasting effect on those who experience and witness it. But by channelling our collective power, through shared efforts and shared ambitions, we can reduce bullying together. From parents and carers, to teachers and politicians, to children and young people, we all have a part to play in coming together to make a difference.

“We’re all a piece in the puzzle, and together, we’re united against bullying.”

Find out more about Leisure Leagues work across the globe here: https://www.leisureleagues.net/

To read more about The Anti Bullying Alliance read here: https://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/anti-bullying-week