1971 FROZEN IN TIME
Referee Craig Pawson will have to be on his toes when Leeds United take on Liverpool at Elland Road this afternoon.
But he will have to go some to earn the plaudits bestowed on Tom “Tiny” Wharton in a corresponding fixture just over 50 years ago.
The Glasgow whistler, who had taken charge of the 1962 Cupwinners’ Cup Final between Atletico Madrid and Fiorentina at Hampden, was tasked with keeping control of the English giants when they clashed in the second leg of their Inter-cities Cup semi-final in 1971.
The hosts were a goal up from the first leg at Anfield, thanks to Billy Bremner, and stood firm for the goalless draw which took them to the Final against Juventus, which they won on away goals.
Wharton had an immaculate game, with one observer writing: “The very presence of Glasgow’s heavyweight referee was sufficient to stifle any argument, or even disagreement, from the players, and won the approval of everyone.”