Stephen Graham faces football match ban after foul-mouthed rant at non-league referee

The actor reportedly called the ref a 'f***ing Tellytubby'

Graham, best know for his roles in Line of Duty, This Is England and Boiling Point, attended a football match at Barrow Town in Leicestershire alongside his 17-year-old son.

But the actor apparently launched into a foul-mouthed rant at referee David Kennedy during the game, calling him a "f***ing Tellytubby" and a "fat useless t**t."

He reportedly went on to accuse the official of being on a "power trip", adding: "Look at the state of you, you fat t**t."

According to the Sun, Kennedy paused the game and refused to restart until Graham left the sidelines, causing the match to be held for eight minutes.

A source told the publication: “His behaviour was absolutely disgusting. The referee was so horrified, along with everyone else. He, rightly, refused to continue with the match until Graham left. Eventually he agreed to go and sit in the bar so the game could continue."

After returning home, Graham apparently called the ref to apologise for his behaviour. He is said to have wanted to apologise in person after the game, but he was urged to go home and call the ref later in the day.

The Leicestershire and Rutland County FA are investigating Graham's behaviour and could end up banning him from attending future games.

A spokesman for the FA told the Sun it was supporting the local body in its investigation.

They said: “We strongly condemn any abusive or unacceptable behaviour aimed toward our match officials, on or off the pitch. We are aware of this incident and supporting Leicestershire and Rutland County FA who are carrying out a full investigation.”

Barrow Town, who Graham's nephew plays for, lost the game 3-0.