An assistant referee who previously officiated both FA Cup and EFL matches is due to appear in court after being charged with a child sex offence. Gareth Viccars is facing a charge of penetrative sexual activity with a girl, aged between 13 and 15.

Viccars attended Willesden Magistrates Court last week and has now been remanded in custody.

He’s now set to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, March 7, where he is due to enter a plea.

The 46-year-old has not officiated in any games this season. He was suspended by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) while the police investigation was ongoing.

A PGMOL Spokesperson told Express Sport: “As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr Viccars was immediately suspended. As the matter is the subject of an ongoing Police investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further.”

Viccars last officiated a match on March 3, 2024, a 0-0 draw between Wimbledon and Grimsby in League One. In December 2023, he was an assistant in Newport County’s 4-1 FA Cup win at Barnet.

Express Sport has contacted the FA for comment.