Alfred Stair

Alfred Stair (15 May 1845 – 2 March 1914) was the referee at the first three FA Cup Finals, all of which were played in London in 1872, 1873 and 1874.

He was born on 15 May 1845 in Greenwich, Kent, the third child (and eldest son) of Thomas Stair and Ann (née Davis).

In 1872, he officiated in the match between Wanderers and Royal Engineers on 16 March. Stair was a civil servant by profession, and was head of Inland Revenue at Somerset House, as were his assistants (Umpires), JH Giffard, for the Royal Engineers, and James Kirkpatrick for the Wanderers.

Stair played football for the amateur club Upton Park from 1867 to 1874. He was also selected as the match referee for the England v Scotland game on 6 March 1875.

Stair died on 2 March 1914 at The Croft, Saltwood, Kent, aged 68.

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