Premier League ref Halsey retires

19 May 2013 20:17

Premier League referee Mark Halsey retired on Sunday after taking charge of Norwich's 3-2 win at Manchester City on the final day of the season.

Halsey was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 but recovered from non-Hodgkin lymphoma and was able to resume refereeing a year later.

The 51-year-old, who has been refereeing in the top flight since 1999, was given an ovation by City's fans at the final whistle and he hopes his battle with cancer can inspire other suffering from the disease.

"It's been a fantastic career for me, with ups and downs," he said.

"I have had three great years since I have come back from my illness and hopefully I have been an inspiration for all those men, women and children out there living with cancer, and shown them we can beat this, that we can get back out there. Hopefully I have done a lot for them.

"I'm pretty emotional. It was a great reception I got at the end, unbelievable.

"I never thought I'd get that and it shows the respect I've got. It was just absolutely magnificent.

"I don't think I have seen a referee get something like that before. Chris Hughton (the Norwich manager) gave me a hug and said a few more words to me. It was fantastic."

Source: AFP