MYSTERY AS REFEREE MADLEY QUITS AT 32
REFEREE Bobby Madley has quit the Premier League just one game into the new season. Mystery last night surrounded his abrupt decision to walk away and an announcement by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) yesterday gave few details about why the 32-year-old referee had left his role. Their statement said: ‘Bobby Madley is no longer employed by PGMOL. We understand that he has decided to relocate due to a change in his personal circumstances.’ Madley, who was one of the 18 full-time professional referees, has officiated 91 matches in the Premier League since 2013 but was not involved during the first weekend of this season. He refereed the 2017 Community Shield at Wembley and oversaw 19 Premier League games in 2017-18. It is understood Madley was not present at the mandatory pre-season meeting of all select group officials at St George’s Park where they are briefed and prepared. Madley, from West Yorkshire, had been a FIFA list referee since January of last year, making him eligible to take charge of international fixtures and also European games.