Dougie shows tumour a red card

A Fife policeman who dreamed of being a footballer has overcome a brain tumour to retain his place in the beautiful game.

Dougie Potter, 32, from a family of footballers, was diagnosed with a tumour when he was three.

An operation saved his life but he could never play again. However he has battled back to become a respected referee.

Dougie said: “The doctors told my mum and dad that heading the ball could cause serious damage to my skull and brain.

“So any dreams I had of growing up to become a player were dashed years before I was old enough to join a school team.”

It was tough call, coming from a footballing family where his dad Dougie ran the Dundonald Bluebell Colts team and big brother Colin played.

“I had to accept that, especially as the decision has been made for me at the age of three,” said Dougie.

“I had always kicked a ball from when I was a toddler but wasn’t allowed to play any matches.”

More surgery followed at 10 and 17.

By then Dougie, a police officer, had found a way to remain in football by training as a referee. He passed the exams as a 16-year-old.

Dougie rose through the ranks and last weekend refereed the Uefa Under-17 Championships.

“It was a great opportunity and I enjoyed every minute of it,” Dougie said.

“After that it was straight into a spell of night shifts back at the CID in Methil, where I am based.”

He combines 30 games a year with his job as a detective constable.

“They both call for fairness and coping with pressure,” he said. “I have been used to that from an early age. Both jobs demand that you strive for fairness and doing what’s right.”

Dougie Potter.