'No-nonsense' ref Ernie, 84, hangs up his boots

An 84-year-old referee, described as a Lincolnshire "treasure", says 2024/25 will be his final season.

Ernie Broughton took up refereeing in his 30s but admits age has finally caught up with him.

He said: "I've absolutely loved every minute. I could go on, just standing in the middle of the pitch and refereeing from there, but that's not me. I wouldn't be in control of the game."

Nick Hanson, chief executive of Lincolnshire Football Association, said: "Ernie is a cornerstone of Lincolnshire football."

Mr Broughton, who lives in North Hykeham, has been refereeing for 53 years. In that time, he has officiated 15 cup finals, 16 semi-finals and thousands of league games.

He said: "As far as I know, I'm Lincolnshire's oldest referee but not the oldest in the country. I think there's a referee in the Midlands who is 86 or 87."

Mr Broughton is known in grassroots circles for taking no-nonsense from players and managers.

"I've always been a pretty strong referee," he said. "If you let them walk all over you, they will."

However, he did recall an occasion, early in his refereeing career, when he was "chased around the pitch in Sleaford".

"That was a difficult game," he recalled. "The player got a ban. I remember it because I'd just had contact lenses fitted and I was worried he case he took a swing at me!"

Mr Hanson said Mr Broughton was widely respected in grassroots football.

"Ernie loves the game and he wants others to as well," he said.

"He is no-nonsense but treats others how he wants to be treated himself. That's been behind his success. Ernie's people skills are his biggest strength. It sets him apart."

Mr Broughton's contribution to the game was formally recognised by the Football Association last year, said Mr Hanson, adding his retirement would also be marked at the end of the season.

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