PGMOL referee observer Rodger Gifford has been suspended for making racist comments to a fellow official

A former Premier League referee has been sacked as a senior observer after telling a black official he would have to smile in the dark to be seen at a match.

Rodger Gifford made the racist comment to an assistant referee coach after an FA Cup second round match between Newport County and Barnet in December.

Gifford, then a referee observer with Professional Game Match Officials Limited, was sacked after the Football Association suspended him for five months for an “aggravated misconduct offence”.

The official who made the racism complaint against him is said to have replied: “It’s out of order and I won’t have that in the dressing room.”

According to a written ruling, Gifford made the comment while discussing the brightness of floodlights and billboards on the far side of the ground.

Gifford is alleged to have told his fellow official, who has not been named: “It was lucky you weren’t there as an assistant referee as we wouldn’t have been able to see you. If you smiled though, we could see your teeth.”

A witness to the discussion during a post-match debrief said: “I felt that was a very inappropriate comment and although I laughed slightly as a joke … it made the dressing room an uncomfortable place for a few moments because of what was said . .”

Gifford, who worked as a Premier League referee from 1992 to 1996, denied the allegation, claiming he made a “lighthearted comment” and “would never intentionally insult a valued colleague”.

Gifford, whose role involved helping referees progress in the professional and amateur game, is said to have emailed the official an apology, but the Regulatory Commission rejected Gifford’s defence.

“With respect to Rule E3.2, it is clear that the comments made by Mr. Gifford included a reference to race. It is difficult to reconcile Mr. Gifford’s position,” the decision said.

“He held a position of trust and responsibility within PGMOL. There is no place in the game or society for comments of this nature. There is no other position.

“Again, it was stated that there was no malice in the comments made and it was a misguided joke, but this has no merit. Furthermore, Mr. Gifford denied the allegation.”

The FA said: “Former PGMOL referee observer Rodger Gifford has been suspended from all football and football-related activities for five months, fined £400 and ordered to attend a mandatory face-to-face education programme, for an aggravated misdemeanor violation.

“It was alleged that, following the FA Cup second round match between Newport County AFC and Barnet FC on Saturday 2 December 2023, his language towards an assistant referee coach was abusive and/or insulting and/or inappropriate, contrary to the rule E3.1. .

“It was further submitted that this is an ‘aggravated breach’ as ​​defined in Rule E3.2 because it includes a reference, express or implied, to color and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”