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[bighairedmike]

An interesting piece on last Saturday's referee at Moss Lane, who sent off Shaun Densmore, has emerged from the Northern Echo of 2 June 2007.

"A footballer ordered to complete a refereeing course as punishment for a foul-mouthed tirade has become one of the top officials in the country. Ross Joyce saw the error of his ways after he was sent off in a youth match six years ago for swearing at the man in the middle.As a result Ross, from Eston, near Middlesbrough, was told to complete the six-week refereeing course at the nearby Southland Centre. The 20-year-old took full advantage of his penalty and, from a pool of 30,000 officials, has gone on to become one of the best in his field. He now acts as an assistant referee and fourth official in the football league, officiating games in the Championship, Coca Cola League One and Two...

'I wouldn't describe myself as foul-mouthed. It was a one-off - I was actually a quiet lad. It was a cup game, which was important, and I lost my temper, got a bit upset and swore at the referee, so he sent me off for it', he said... 'I love being a referee. It's very enjoyable and exciting as every game brings a new challenge'... He has recently been promoted to level two of the national list of panel referees... He is the youngest assistant referee in the country at that level and the youngest panel referee, which will see him take charge of Conference football next season (08-09)... Some of Ross' games have already grabbed the attention of the media.In one, he needed a police escort from a women's match between Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea after he sent off three Rovers' players and the manager".

[Hale Alty]

I bet he learnt a few new words on Saturday.