****ing great news!

Mr Alan

Rob Styles is expected to retire early.

One of the most controversial referees to officiate in the Premier League over the past decade, Rob Styles, has decided to end his officiating career early. A resignation letter from Styles is expected to arrive at the FA today, calling time on a 22-year career which began in the Wessex League.

Former Premier League referee Graham Poll said he was 'saddened but not surprised' by the decision. Poll, who himself retired from officiating in the Premier League in 2007, told the Daily Mail: "He cared deeply about his refereeing, dedicating himself to serving the game he loves. However, the fact that the majority of the football-watching public will merely shrug their shoulders in indifference at this news or say 'Good' proves the lack of understanding of the modern referee."

In recent years, 45-year-old Styles attracted criticism for his decisions in a number of the Premier League's highest profile matches, notably Liverpool's match against Chelsea at the beginning of the 2007-08 season, when he awarded a disputed penalty to Chelsea before appearing to show Michael Essien two yellow cards without sending him off – although it was later clarified the second was intended for John Terry rather than Essien.

In the 2008-09 season, Styles awarded Manchester United a penalty against Bolton when Cristiano Ronaldo was challenged fairly by Jlloyd Samuel in the area. Ronaldo and his team-mates did not seem to appeal for a foul before Styles awarded the penalty to the astonishment of Bolton's players. He was roundly criticised for making an incorrect decision in the following days.

Styles who is also on Fifa's list of referees, officiated in the 2005 FA Cup final at the Millennium Stadium between Arsenal and Manchester United.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jun/12/rob-styles-retires-early-referee/print

not sure if there's a man in the world i'd love to slap more. delighted about this.

(not sure if it merited its own thread, but think this news will make a lot of people happy and there wasn't really anywhere to put it!)

mike65

Well that could be worth 3 points at least next season! Lord Wrigley will have to work on someone else now

Headshot

Mr Alan wrote: »

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/jun/12/rob-styles-retires-early-referee/print

not sure if there's a man in the world i'd love to slap more. delighted about this.

(not sure if it merited its own thread, but think this news will make a lot of people happy and there wasn't really anywhere to put it!)

mike65

No need for a chip that was the dumbest peno ever.

Morzadec

I remember Styles giving that penalty to Chelsea when we were on a roll at the start of the League season. I was so angry, was watching it in Bangkok and got ****faced drunk to drown my sorrows.

Good news that he won't be officiating next year, lets hope his replacement is halfway decent

Headshot

Morzadec wrote: »

Good news that he won't be officiating next year, lets hope his replacement is halfway decent

this is the PL we're talking about

The Hustler

Mark Halsey is the worst offender

Sh*ttest ref EVER

Charlie

Jog on sad act.

Made some woeful decisions against us, and others last season.

Hated the way he grew into one of those refs who thinks they are part of the spectacle, like Poll before him. Howard Webb unfortunately seems to be barking up that tree as well.

Xavi6

Charlie wrote: »

Jog on sad act.

Made some woeful decisions against us, and others last season.

Hated the way he grew into one of those refs who thinks they are part of the spectacle, like Poll before him. Howard Webb unfortunately seems to be barking up that tree as well.

Not that you'll have to worry about that eh Charlie?

That_Guy

Thank god he's gone.

He gave some very harsh decisions against us. Most notably Man City at home when Beye was sent off for tackling Robinho in the box and winning the ball.

Good riddance. Not that he'd be refereeing in any of our matches next season.

Charlie

Xavi6 wrote: »

Not that you'll have to worry about that eh Charlie?

Well if he had stayed on, no doubt he'd of cocked up again, with his 'punishment' being, that he is inflicted on to the Championship the following week.

Seriously, I never got why that happens.

That_Guy

Charlie wrote: »

Well if he had stayed on, no doubt he'd of cocked up again, with his 'punishment' being, that he is inflicted on to the Championship the following week.

Seriously, I never got why that happens.

Mainly because the FA probably feel that the Championship is a "sham" league.

If they were giving them punishment they should make them a fourth official in a Conference match.

legs11

now just for clattenburg to retire...

MagicMarker

Anyone know how much refs earn?

MementoMori

I hate this thread - saw the title and the fact that it had been posted by Mr Alan and thought it might actually be good news, like an actual signing or G&H f-ing off.

This is just a utterly ****e quality ref departing.:o

That_Guy

MagicMarker wrote: »

Anyone know how much refs earn?

Depends on how many fans throw coins at them.

Coillte_Bhoy

Morzadec wrote: »

I remember Styles giving that penalty to Chelsea when we were on a roll at the start of the League season. I was so angry, was watching it in Bangkok and got ****faced drunk to drown my sorrows.

Good news that he won't be officiating next year, lets hope his replacement is halfway decent

Should this not be in the "Hey, i have been to Bangkok" boasting thread"??

mike65

Or possibly Mens Health?

ShoulderChip

Headshot wrote: »

I take offense to that pic