sport news Referee assessor 'sacked by PGMOL' after being hit by a five-month ban for ... trends now
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A referee assessor has reportedly been sacked after being hit with a five month ban by the Football Association after being found to have made racist comments to a black official.
Rodger Gifford, who had worked as a Premier League referee from 1992 to 1996, allegedly told a black official he’d have to smile in the dark to be seen.
Gifford was alleged to have made the comment to an assistant referee coach after an FA Cup second round fixture between Newport County and Barnet in December.
The match referee, assistant and two other officials gave witness statements in the case, with the FA redacting their identities from the final verdict.
Gifford denied the charge, claiming he had made a 'light-hearted comment' and 'would never intentionally insult a value colleague'.
