Referee assessor 'sacked by PGMOL' after being hit by a five-month ban for racist comments towards a black official

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'.

He told the commission that had he believed that the words were used or spoken in an aggressive or deliberately insulting way he would have resigned with immediate effect 

Gifford, whose role gave him responsibility for helping to determine which referees can progress in the professional and amateur game, also stated he had emailed an apology to the official.

The Regulatory Commission rejected Gifford’s defence and found that the charge had been proven.

‘As to Rule E3.2, it is evident that the comments made by Mr Gifford included a reference to race. It is difficult to reconcile Mr Gifford’s position,’ the decision read.

‘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 averred that there was no malice in the comments made, and it was ill-judged banter but this lacks any merit. Moreover, Mr Gifford denied the charge.’

The Commission also noted that Gifford had admitted a similar breach in 2022, leading to him being suspended for eight weeks, fined £200 and being ordered to undertake an education course.

According to the Mirror, the sanction followed Gifford telling an eastern European official ‘Shut up! You’re not in Bulgaria now’ during a post-match discussion.

Gifford has reportedly been sacked from his PGMOL role following confirmation of his five month ban.

He has also been required to pay £400 and attend a face-to-face education programme provided by The FA.

The decision is subject to an appeal.