Raging Line of Duty star Stephen Graham brands football ref a ‘f***ing Teletubby’ in touchline rant as he faces FA probe
LINE of Duty star Stephen Graham faces an FA probe over a foul-mouthed touchline rant at a football match.
The Boiling Point actor, 51, hurled a string of X-rated insults at non-league referee David Kennedy, including a reference to a sex act.
His furious tirade caused last Saturday’s game at Barrow Town in Leicestershire to be held up by eight minutes.
A source close to Graham — who was there with his son — said he is “mortified” and has “apologised profusely” to the ref.
Raging Stephen branded the football ref a “f***ing Tellytubby”.
He also called the shocked official a “fat useless t**t” and asked if he was bullied at school.
David Kennedy eventually stopped the non-league game and refused to continue until Graham left the touchline.
The Boiling Point actor later apologised, as the local FA launched an investigation into his “appalling” behaviour.
Witnesses said Graham, who was watching his nephew play for Barrow Town in Leics, suddenly snapped for no reason during their home clash with Heather St John’s Reserves last Saturday.
Graham, who was with his 17-year-old son Alfie, called the referee a “f***ing Tellytubby” after the portly children’s TV characters.
The actor, standing on the touchline between the subs’ benches, then accused the 41-year-old official of being on a “power trip” and said he was a “useless t**t”.
As the outburst continued, he went on: “Look at the state of you, you fat t**t” before making a crude reference to a sex act.
Witnesses claim Graham, who played hardman gangster roles in Snatch, Gangs of New York and Boardwalk Empire, also boasted about being famous, saying: “Google me, I’m on Netflix.”
The actor finally asked Mr Kennedy: “Were you bullied at school?”
The game was then held up for eight minutes while the referee demanded he leave.
Graham, who lives with his family in Ibstock, Leics, is said to have later called the ref to apologise.
A source said last night: “His behaviour was absolutely disgusting.
“The referee was so horrified, along with everyone else.
His behaviour was absolutely disgusting. The referee was so horrified, along with everyone else
A source
“He, rightly, refused to continue with the match until Graham left.
“Eventually he agreed to go and sit in the bar so the game could continue.
“This is non-league football, why is he getting so angry?
“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.
“There were kids watching the match.
“It’s shameless and he shouldn’t be able to get away with it.”
The Leicestershire and Rutland County FA are investigating.
Graham, awarded an OBE last year for services to drama, is said to have asked to say sorry to the ref immediately after the game but was advised to go home.
Two days later, he called Mr Kennedy to apologise, telling him: “I’m sorry, I don’t know what it is about football, it turns me into a Neanderthal.
“I need to do some soul searching and work out why I behaved the way I did.”
A source close to the Peaky Blinders actor said he was “mortified”.
However, they deny claims he shouted “Google me”.
Further allegations that he threatened to “knock out” the ref and used the C-word were also denied.
They said: “He’s mortified by his behaviour.
“He’s a very passionate football supporter but understands nothing can justify his actions.
“He’s apologised profusely to the referee and is hoping to learn from the incident.”
It is believed Graham — a diehard Liverpool FC fan — sourced Mr Kennedy’s number from the club.
Look at the state of you, you fat t**t
Stephen Graham
Barrow Town eventually lost the game 3-0.
Graham’s rant comes amid a huge rise in abuse of refs, with the FA last year launching its “Enough Is Enough” campaign to stamp out discriminatory behaviour.
Graham has previously watched his nephew play for Barrow Town, with the club hailing his “community spirit”.
On November 30, it posted a picture of him on Facebook, and said: “We had a thrilling 3-3 draw against Sileby, but the real surprise came when actor Stephen Graham stopped by to support his nephew and cheer on the Barrow Town team.
“He even took time to chat and snap photos with fans.
“A brilliant example of community spirit and support.”
The FA last night said it was supporting the local body in its investigation.
A spokesman said: “We strongly condemn any abusive or unacceptable behaviour aimed toward our match officials, on or off the pitch.
“We are aware of this incident and supporting Leicestershire and Rutland County FA who are carrying out a full investigation.”
FA rules say Graham could be banned from watching Barrow Town play, either permanently or for a set number of games.
Clubs could also have points deducted for fans’ misbehaviour.
Merseyside-born Graham has been teetotal for seven years after previously telling how he “lost himself” and turned to alcohol while playing a racist in This is England.
He also revealed his earliest memory was Liverpool FC bringing the European Cup home to the city.
He said: “When I really started to understand football more in my teens, seeing the class football they played, that was it.
“I was there for life through thick or thin.”
Leicestershire and Rutland County FA, Barrow Town FC and Graham’s agent have been contacted.