School League Referee Calls for Investigation Into Alleged Verbal Abuse by Grammar School Coach

Antigua National School League referee Devon Ollivere has called for a formal investigation into alleged verbal abuse and intimidation by Antigua Grammar School teacher and football coach Chesley Browne during a match on October 6.

In a complaint dated October 8 and addressed to education and sports authorities, the school’s principal and the Head of School League Referees, Ollivere alleged that Browne repeatedly shouted insults in his face after being asked to clear the line at Radio Range Football Field.

Ollivere said he was serving as first assistant referee and needed space to move along the line while performing his duties.

According to his account, Browne became confrontational and repeatedly said, “You stupid! You stupid!”

Ollivere described the alleged incident as humiliating and intimidating, saying it occurred in full view of students from Antigua Grammar School and other participating schools.

“This is not simply a disagreement over football. It is a serious matter of professional conduct, personal dignity, safety, and accountability,” he wrote.

The referee is requesting an investigation involving interviews with match officials and witnesses, a review of any available footage, and appropriate disciplinary action following the relevant procedures.

He identified Donald Francis as the centre referee and Shenella Dean as another member of the officiating team.

Ollivere also demanded a formal public apology, stating in his complaint that a video of the incident was circulating online. The footage was not provided with the complaint supplied for this report.

“An apology should not be a private gesture intended merely to close the matter quietly,” he wrote. “It should acknowledge the conduct, the harm caused, and the importance of respecting match officials.”

The complaint asks the Head of School League Referees and relevant authorities to consider suspending referee assignments to Antigua Grammar School matches until the matter is addressed and safeguards are established.

“I do not feel safe continuing to carry out my officiating duties in circumstances where such conduct is tolerated or allowed to recur,” Ollivere stated.

He further alleged that Browne had displayed similar outbursts previously, although the letter did not provide dates or detailed accounts of those alleged incidents.

Ollivere is also seeking a review of Browne’s suitability to continue coaching schoolchildren, while specifying that any decision should follow a fair investigation and appropriate procedures.

The referee said he understood that the school’s principal, the Director of Education and the Ministry of Sports had already been made aware of the matter. He requested written acknowledgement of his complaint and notification of the outcome and measures to prevent similar incidents.

“I will not accept verbal abuse, intimidation, or public humiliation as part of my responsibility as a football referee,” he wrote.

The report does not include a response from Browne, Antigua Grammar School or the authorities addressed in the complaint. Our newsroom will attempt to get an official response soon.