Tony Ward (referee)
| Born | 5 December 1941 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic | |||
| Years | League | Role | |
| 1962 | South East Counties, Spartan, Athenian and Isthmian leagues | ||
| 1974 | Football League | Linesman | |
| 1990 | Football League | Referee | |
Tony Ward (born 5 December 1941 in Highgate, London) is a former football referee and assistant referee. During his career he officiated in the English Football League and Premier League, as well as in FIFA-sanctioned matches. He resided in New Southgate, London.
Ward started his career in 1962, serving the South East Counties, Spartan, Athenian and Isthmian leagues, before becoming a Football League linesman in 1974. His first match was a Second Division game between Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest. In 1980, he was promoted to the Referees List of the Football League; his first match was between Lincoln City and Wigan Athletic.
Ward reached the normal retirement age of 48 in 1990, but he was retained for a further three seasons along with other high-performing referees. He did not have Premier League appointments initially on its formation in 1992-1993 but was regularly chosen for matches in the second half of the season. His final match was Liverpool v Coventry City in April 1993.
When Arsenal moved from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium in 2006, he was appointed Arsenal’s Hon Referees Liaison Officer.
Ward's notable appointments include:
In addition to Robin Wainwright and George Parish, Ward refereed testimonial matches for:
Ward became the first referee to dismiss a player for deliberate handball when he sent off Reading player Lawrie Sanchez in a match against Oxford in August 1982. Ten days later he dismissed Colin Todd of Nottingham Forest against Manchester United; Todd became the first Division One player to be sent off for handball.
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