1 week Ago
Norfolk-based assistant referee Darren Cann will hang up his flag this weekend after a record-breaking Premier League career. Cann, who began his career refereeing locally in the county, has officiated a World Cup and Champions League final during a stellar career that has seen him oversee 1,000 professional matches domestically and on the international stage. His final Premier League outing - the 579th - will come at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City take on Crystal Palace on Saturday.
He will assist Jarred Gillett in the lunchtime kickoff. Cann has served the most games by any match official in the Premier League’s history as well as representing England in 140 international fixtures including two World Cups and one European Championships. “This Saturday will be my 579th – and final – Premier League match.
It’s been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years,” Cann told the Premier League 's channels. “Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever but, above all, I’m proud of the fact I’ve given 100 per cent in every single match throughout my career. “I would like to thank every single person who has helped and supported me to work in this wonderful sport, PGMOL and The FA as well as all of the clubs, managers, players and fans that have made the Premier League the greatest league in the world.
“It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love.” Darren Cann (right) worked alongside Howard Webb in a World Cup and Champions League final. (Image: PA) PGMOL chief refereeing officer Howard Webb served with Cann during the World Cup and Champions League final in 2010 and paid tribute to the 'exceptional' Norfolk-based official.
"Darren’s career has been nothing short of exceptional," said Webb. "As I know first-hand from working with Darren on many matches, he is an official of extraordinary talent and he has performed at the very highest level with distinction. "His professionalism and dedication have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating.
We wish him all the very best as he steps away from the field — though we’re sure his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.".
