Belgium’s referees acting at the highest level will benefit from psychological assistance, the Nieuwsblad says on Saturday. They have been hit hard by the judicial scandal affecting the world of Belgian football since Wednesday. Two of their colleagues are suspected of rigging matches, one of whom, Bart Vertenten, is in preventive detention.
Jef Brouwens, sports psychologist working for the Belgian Football Union, was contacted by the Head of Belgian referees, Johan Verbist. He will hold a briefing on Tuesday to explain to referees the importance of their role in football and how to behave.
Amateur referees from the north of the country received an email from the Flemish Arbitration Office asking them to remain “calm and aware.” It is feared that they be more than ever the disgruntled supporters’ target.
The Brussels Times
