Scotland’s head of referees John Fleming, 62

Celtic manager Neil Lennon said he was “devastated” to learn that Scotland’s head of referees John Fleming had died at the age of 62, calling his death a “huge loss” to football.

The Scottish Football Association announced yesterday that its head of referee operations had died after a “prolonged illness”.

Fleming was a former Fifa-listed assistant referee who was a member of Scotland’s team of match officials at Euro 96 and led the SFA’s referees department for the past eight years.

Tributes from clubs and figures across Scottish football have poured in for Fleming, who Lennon said will be difficult to replace.

Lennon said: “I’m devastated. I got on great with John. He had great leadership qualities when he came to the refereeing department and set a really good standard.

“The last time I saw him was in August when he was briefing us on the new rules and regulations, as he always did.

“He’ll be a huge loss to the game and my condolences go to his family.

“I knew he was ill but it’s still a shock when it comes, I think he’ll be a big miss.”

Kevin Clancy, chairman of the Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association, paid tribute to Fleming on behalf of his fellow match officials.

Clancy said: “Whilst we have known of John’s ill health for some time, the news of his death will have a profound impact on all who knew him, worked alongside him, and learned from him.

“John was a private and unassuming man, as has been widely acknowledged, but he possessed a steely determination and fortitude under pressure that won the respect of referees across the country.

“In a role that is not naturally conducive to universal popularity, especially in a competitive and pressurised refereeing environment, it is a testament to his integrity and honesty as head of referee operations that he was respected by all.”

SFA president Rod Petrie said: “His commitment was unstinting to the game, his refereeing colleagues and the association.

“He worked tirelessly in support of his match officials, whom he considered an extended family.

“He undertook his responsibilities as head of referee operations with passion and integrity, qualities that met with respect across the game; in boardrooms, in dressing rooms and, of course, in referees’ rooms.

“John was a dedicated family man and suffered the loss of his wife Ann with the love of his children Dawn and Graham, and of course his grandchildren Anna, Charlie and Rose, on whom he doted. Our thoughts are with his family.

“I know I speak on behalf of the board, John’s friends and colleagues within the Scottish FA, the referee community and clubs across the country in saying that we will miss a trusted colleague, a man of honour and principle, and a dear friend.”

John Fleming has died aged 62.