Football referees can be subjected to all sorts of things, but at a major tournament, they are looked after.

280 football referees from 12 different countries are currently at the Dana Cup in Hjørring.

The Dana Cup in Hjørring has been held since 1982 and is one of the largest youth tournaments in the world. (Photo: © Henning Bagger/Ritzau Scanpix) 33 minutes ago

Broken arms and fingers, headbutts and shoves, and verbal assaults.

In recent years, there have been several ugly incidents on Danish football pitches where referees have been attacked.

Read also: Football father sentenced to 20 days of suspended imprisonment in case of assault on referee ( https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/seneste/fodboldfar-idoemmes-20-dages-betinget-faengsel-i-sag-om-vold-mod-dommer )

About a year ago, all of Danish football came together for a campaign aimed at focusing on good conduct in the sport.

This is also something being done right now at the Dana Cup in Hjørring, one of the largest youth tournaments in the world with 20,000 participants from 56 different countries.

Here, an observer corps is used to look after the referees, says Thomas Jensen, the tournament's referee coordinator.

- It is necessary because football is emotions. Parents, coaches, and players react differently, and I don't think we will ever get past that.

Eva Ravn is very satisfied with the security at this year's Dana Cup. (Photo: © Christine Nørgaard/DR)

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Can have a serious talk

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If anyone behaves badly, the referees can report it.

When they do, the observer corps goes out to keep an eye on the team where there are problems. And if necessary, the corps may decide to call the team leader in for a talk.

One of those who appreciates the observer corps is Eva Ravn from Hobro. She is a referee at this year's tournament and is glad that extra focus is being placed on safety.

- Should there be anything, we have a place to turn to. And they handle it right away, she says.

Read also: Assault on football referee ended in court: Series 4 player sentenced to suspended imprisonment ( https://www.dr.dk/nyheder/seneste/overfald-paa-fodbolddommer-endte-i-retten-serie-4-spiller-idoemt-betinget-faengsel )

Eva Ravn has participated in the Dana Cup several times. This year, she has not experienced anything unpleasant herself.

But when so many different nationalities are gathered, it can pose challenges for the referees. Some players have more temperament than others, she says.

- It is not quite as easy to handle for the new referees as it is for those of us with a bit more experience.

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