Stephen Graham 'faces FA investigation' for branding referee 'a f**king Teletubby' in vicious rant at non-league game

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Evening Standard

·19 December 2024

Stephen Graham 'faces FA investigation' for branding referee 'a f**king Teletubby' in vicious rant at non-league game

The British actor, 51, faces an FA investigation after an abusive outburst at a referee during a non-league football match last weekend

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Stephen Graham could reportedly be under investigation by the FA after an expletive-laden outburst aimed at a referee.

The 51-year-old Line of Duty actor is accused of calling the official a "f**king Teletubby" and "fat useless t**t" during last Saturday's match at Barrow Town in Leicestershire, causing an eight-minute delay to the game.

Graham, who was attending with his son to watch his nephew play, has reportedly apologised "profusely" to referee David Kennedy and is said to be "mortified" by the incident.

The referee eventually halted the game and refused to continue until Graham moved away from the touchline.

Eyewitnesses told The Sun that Graham unexpectedly lost his temper, calling Kennedy a “f**king Teletubby” and accusing him of being on a “power trip.”

He allegedly said: “Look at the state of you, you fat t**t.”

Graham attending the premiere of the film Blitz in October

AFP via Getty Images

A source described his behavior as "absolutely disgusting," adding that everyone, including the referee, was "horrified."

They shared: “To speak to a referee like that is absolutely appalling. He’s a household name and is a real local celebrity around here.

“Clearly he wasn’t worried about being recognised. Nothing had even happened to make him flip out – it was like someone flicked a switch.”

The Leicestershire and Rutland County FA are reportedly investigating the incident, while a source revealed that Graham requested to apologise to the referee right after the game but was advised to go home instead.

According to the outlet, the Boiling Point actor rang the referee two days later to apologise, reportedly saying that football “turns me into a Neanderthal” and that he needs “some soul searching and work out why I behaved the way I did.”

A source close to the star also added that he is “mortified” by his behaviour, “understands nothing can justify his actions” and is “hoping to learn from the incident.”

In a statement sent to Metro, Leicestershire and Rutland County FA said: “The Leicestershire & Rutland County FA are aware of an alleged incident from a fixture between Barrow Town and Heather St Johns, played on 14 December 2024. We have been in contact with the Match Official to offer our support and we are carrying out a full investigation into the matter.

“Offences against Match Officials are treated with the utmost seriousness – we strongly condemn any abusive or unacceptable behaviour towards our Match Officials.”

The Standard has contacted Stephen Graham’s rep and a spokesperson for Leicestershire and Rutland County FA.

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Stephen Graham 'faces FA investigation' for branding referee 'a f**king Teletubby' in vicious rant at non-league game | OneFootball

Stephen Graham 'faces FA investigation' for branding referee 'a f**king Teletubby' in vicious rant at non-league game

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