Bayfield gets the hook

FORMER England rugby lock Martin Bayfield has made the interminable ceremony at the Sport Industry Awards night more bearable with the amusing way he has hosted the event for the last 15 years.

But Bayfield has been replaced this year by Mark Durden-Smith and Reshmin Chowdhury because the organisers want to freshen up their gala occasion in front of 1,600 guests at Battersea Evolution in London tonight.

The outstanding achievement award is going to the Murray family — Andy, Jamie and Judy — for their unprecedented family contribution to tennis.

SPORT seem to be downplaying their Rio medal forecast announcement scheduled for July 5 — which they have already reduced from ‘more medals than London 2012’ to a ‘best away Games’ haul. The date not only falls during the second week of Wimbledon but is on the eve of a Euro 2016 semi-final that may involve England. Meanwhile, UK Sport and the British Olympic Association, who were on a permanent war footing during London 2012, are now said to be happily working in tandem. FORMER assistant referee Glenn Turner claims there have been 84 key incorrect match decisions in the Premier League this season.

Taylor’s research, revealed on the you-are-theref.com website, lists Jonathan Moss, with 13 mistakes in 22 games, as the worst referee and Anthony Taylor (three in 27) as the best.

Keith Hackett, former boss of the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd, says: ‘Some referees aren’t capable of managing big events and the PGMO aren’t reacting.’

A PGMO spokesman declined to comment.