Referee abuse is being seen as a growing problem in New Zealand.

This follows a football referee in Auckland stepping down after being threatened on the field for the third time this season.

The Auckland Sunday Football Association is now threatening players with fines and bans for abusive behaviour.

Registration officer Trevor Brooks told Mike Hosking it's been getting worse recently.

"It is a problem. It tends to be certain individuals who think the referee is wrong and they have the right to continue on."

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