The Official Manchester United Podcast

Keith Hackett - Refereeing at the top

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Episode notes

In a first for the UTD podcast, this week we have a referee, and not just any referee, former head of referees, Keith Hackett. For this one Sam & Helen are joined by Wes Brown who is filling in for Maysie.


In a career spanning from 1972 to 1994, Keith worked in the English Football League (and international football) as a linesman and referee. He refereed the 1990–91 league encounter between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford, a match notorious for the 21-man brawl breaking out just after the hour mark. Keith also refereed his last ever match at Old Trafford, a game between United and Liverpool. 


Keith later worked as a referees' assessor before, on 1 March 2004, he was appointed general manager of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).


Today Keith talks about a long career refereeing at the top level of football, his relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as how the game is changing. Warning - VAR chat incoming!


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