A Black boxing referee with more than quarter of a century's experience in the industry is taking on the sport's governing body amid claims of racism and bullying.

Woodley man Jeffrey Hinds, 62, has taken the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) to employment tribunal for 'subjecting him to racism' over the course of his 26-year career with them. 

He claims he was unfairly suspended and his career was stunted due to 'indirect racism' and 'harassment'. 

At a four-day hearing at Reading employment court, on Friar Street, the judge heard how Mr Hinds was removed from refereeing in 2019 after being accused of 'unprofessional behaviour'.

But Mr Hinds challenged this - he felt that he'd suspended unfairly. He said he had told the board he was "stressed at work".

Mr Hinds, who has officiated more than 1,250 contests in a career spanning more than 25 years, claimed that the BBBofC harmed his reputation.

He took legal action against the sport’s governing body at the High Court over claims words published online falsely gave the impression he was guilty of misconduct despite his acquittal.

During this time, the board suspended the referee after they were told he was dealing with ‘great stress’.

Mr. John Handelaar, who has been director of British Boxing Board since 1998, spoke on the fourth day of the tribunal.

Addressing Mr Hinds, he said: “You told us that it had affected you and your family, and caused stress and upset. The stressor has been ongoing so we thought that you would not be suitable to referee. The safety of our boxers is a main priority."

The Reading referee responded by saying he believed that the board should have taken action to seek medical confirmation about the stress  he was experiencing and whether that would affect his role. 

The 62-year-old, who is of Black British African Caribbean heritage, claimed in a statement read out in court that he felt he was suspended as an act of 'direct race discrimination and victimisation'.

He told the tribunal: "[Racism] is a silencer. This includes indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation. [I was] labelled a troublemaker and was left out."

Mr Hinds then went onto add: "Every employer must take steps to prevent and protect people and look after the wellbeing of their employees.

“This is called a duty of care to stop harm and discrimination claims.”

The outcome of the tribunal will be revealed on August 23. 

Speaking after hearing to the Chronicle, Mr Hinds said: “The last few days have been interesting. Since 2015, I have experienced a harsh hostile environment within the profession and I have been forced to fight it.

“I feel like I have tolerated their actions a bit too long and kept my council, but now I hope to achieve my justice. I am in a fortunate position now to act accordingly.”

The Boxing has been contacted for comment.