'I will miss it' - Lincolnshire's oldest football referee Ernie Broughton retires aged 84
Lincolnshire's oldest football referee has finally decided it is time to hang up his whistle after more than 50 years in the game. Ernie Broughton, 84, has been hailed as a "local legend" in grassroots football and says he will miss waking up to officiate matches every weekend.
Ernie, from North Hykeham, has had some extraordinary moments during his lengthy career, including sending four people off in one match, appearing in court over a player breaking another's jaw, and being chased around the pitch by an angry defender. After all these years on the pitch, Ernie says his body has finally called it a day.
He said: "I find it more difficult moving about now so that's why I've given it up. It's been brilliant. I've loved the game. You only get out of it what you put in and you have to be as positive as you can.
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"I'm surprised by all the attention I've been getting as I don't feel I deserve it. I am going to miss it totally. When you've got up every Sunday morning for so many years, it's going to be hard."
Ernie hopes to stay involved in Lincolnshire football and has enquired about officiating walking football instead. He has also taken up indoor and outdoor bowls to stay active.
He added: "When you get older you start to slow down with your walking and everything. I don't want to be letting anyone down out there. Any advice I can give to the young referees, I'm always pleased to do."
Ernie received a trophy in 2022 for both Grassroots Official of the Year and another one for his services to football. He never progressed higher than grassroots level due to his age, but Ernie says he always loved refereeing and has been described as a "stalwart of football".