LINE of Duty star Stephen Graham faces FA investigation over swearing at football match.
The Boiling Point actor, 51, hurled a string of X-rated insults at non-league referee David Kennedy, including an alleged reference to a sexual act.
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Line of Duty star Stephen Graham faces FA investigation over swearing at football matchCredit: BBC
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Pictured by Graham, non-league referee David Kennedy. ‘fucking Tellytubby’
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Graham, centre, on a trip to Barrow Town FC in Leicestershire Credit: Facebook
His furious tirade saw the game at Barrow Town in Leicestershire stopped for eight minutes last Saturday.
A source close to Graham – who was there with his son – said he was “shaken” and “profusely apologised” to the judge.
A furious Stephen called the football referee a “fucking Tellytubby”.
He also called the shocked officer a “fat useless arsehole” and asked if he had been bullied at school.
David Kennedy eventually stopped the non-league game and refused to resume until Graham had left the touchline.
The Boiling Point actor later apologized, 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 judge a “fucking Tellytubby” after the large children’s TV characters.
The actor, who was standing on the line between the substitutes’ benches, then accused the 41-year-old official of being on a “power trip” and said he was a “useless arsehole”.
As the outburst continued, he continued: “Look at the state you’re in, you fat ass” before allegedly crudely mentioning the sexual act.
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Witnesses claim that Graham, who played tough gangster roles in Snatch, Gangs of New York and Boardwalk Empire, also bragged about his fame, saying: “Google me, I’m on Netflix.”
It is claimed the actor eventually asked Mr Kennedy: “Were you bullied at school?”
The match was then stopped for eight minutes as the referee demanded that he leave.
Graham, who lives with his family in Ibstock, Leics, is said to have called the judge later to apologise.
A source said last night: “His behavior was absolutely disgusting.
“The referee was so horrified, as was everyone else.
His behavior was absolutely disgusting. The judge was so horrified, as was everyone else
Source
“He rightly refused to continue the match until Graham left.
“In the end he agreed to go and sit at the bar so the game could continue.
“This is non-league football, why is he so angry?
“Talking to a judge like that is absolutely horrible.
“He’s a household name and a real local celebrity here.
“It’s clear that he wasn’t worried about anyone recognizing him.
“Nothing even happened to make him go crazy – it was like someone flipped a switch.
“There were children watching the game.
“It’s shameless and you shouldn’t be able to get away with it.”
Leicestershire and Rutland County FA are investigating.
Graham, who received an OBE for services to drama last year, said he asked to apologize to the referee immediately after the game but was advised to go home.
Two days later he phoned Mr Kennedy to apologise, telling him: “Sorry, I don’t know what it is about football, it’s turning me into a Neanderthal.
“I need to do some soul-searching and figure out why I acted the way I did.”
A source close to the Peaky Blinders actor said he was “depressed”.
However, they deny claims that he shouted “google me”.
Further claims that he threatened to “knock out” the referee and used the C-word were also denied, as was a reference to a sexual act.
They said: “He is humiliated by his behavior.
“He is a very passionate football fan, but he understands that nothing can justify his actions.
“He apologized profusely to the judge and hopes to learn something from the incident.”
Graham — a keen Liverpool FC supporter — is believed to have obtained Mr Kennedy’s number from the club.
Look at your condition, you fat ass
Stephen Graham
Barrow Town ended up losing the game 3-0.
Graham’s rant comes amid a major rise in referee abuse, with the FA launching its ‘Enough is Enough’ campaign last year to stamp out discriminatory behaviour.
Graham has previously watched his nephew play for Barrow Town, with the club praising his “community spirit”.
On November 30, she posted a picture of him on Facebook and said: “We had an exciting 3-3 draw against Sileby, but the real surprise came when actor Stephen Graham turned up to support his nephew and cheer on the Barrow Town team.
“He even took time to chat and take photos with fans.
“A brilliant example of community spirit and support.”
The FA said last night it was supporting the local authority in its investigation.
A spokesman said: “We strongly condemn any abusive or unacceptable behavior directed at our officials, on or off the pitch.
“We are aware of this incident and are 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 number of games.
Clubs could also be stripped of points for fan misconduct.
Merseyside-born Graham has been sober for seven years after previously telling how he “lost his way” and turned to alcohol while playing a racist on This Is England.
He also revealed that his earliest memory was of Liverpool FC bringing the European Cup home to the city.
He said: “When I really started to understand football more in my teenage years, seeing the top football they played, that was it.
“I’ve been there for life, through thick and thin.”
Leicestershire and Rutland County FA, Barrow Town FC and Graham’s agent have been contacted.
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Boiling Point actor apologizes as local FA launches investigation into his ‘appalling’ behaviorCredit: Alamy
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