Exclusive: Bristol City investigate alleged car park incident involving referee after QPR defeat

Bristol City are investigating an alleged car park incident involving the match referee from the defeat against QPR.

The matter has been reported to the English Football League (EFL), which is in contact with the Robins.

It is alleged that referee Andy Davies was confronted by two young supporters following Bristol City’s loss against QPR on December 30.

One source said they were alleged to have sat on the referee’s car and then stopped him from getting out when he attempted to remove them.

It was also alleged that the match official was sworn at by the youths, who were removed by Bristol City’s security team which intervened.

The incident followed a defeat on the pitch to QPR in which Mr Davies’ performance had frustrated Robins manager Nigel Pearson, and City supporters.

Yesterday (January 12), Pearson was charged with breaking Football Association rules for his comments on the official.

The 58-year-old City boss branded the referee ‘awful’, and ‘dodgy’ over what he saw as a series of bad decisions during the defeat.

Yoann Barbet’s stoppage-time header gave QPR a late Championship win over a Bristol City team reduced to 10 men.

Pearson has until Friday to provide a response to Wednesday’s charge.

But, as can be revealed by BristolWorld, the referee also faced an issue when attempting to leave Ashton Gate after the night game.

The club are investigating the matter and have reviewed CCTV footage.

Any supporters deemed guilty of such action may receive a stadium banning order.

A spokesperson for Bristol City confirmed that an investigation is now taking place, while Avon and Somerset Police said that nothing was reported to its force football officers after the game.

The EFL is aware of an incident and have been in contact with Bristol City.

The Referees’ Association has been approached for comment.