BOBBY TURNS TO HOME COMFORTS

FORMER Premier League referee Bobby Madley says he can’t wait to take over the whistle once again – but first he’s just content watching from the sidelines at his beloved Ossett United.

- Phil Brennan

Madley was sacked by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) in 2018 after sending a video mocking a disabled person to a friend. Something he has expressed remorse about. He has since been living and refereeing in Norway but now the 34-year-old is now back on home shores and looking to rebuild his career.

After attending an FA discrimination workshop, Madley was scheduled to return to referee at League One and League Two level at the start of this season before those plans were shelved by the Coronavirus outbreak.

In the meantime, Madley has dusted down the cobwebs by officiating the odd game at the grassroots level and re-connect with his newly-formed hometown club, following the merger of Ossett Town and Ossett Albion while he was away.

“I have had two years in exile if you want to call it that,” Madley told The NLP. I’ve never shirked away from what happened but now I can finally look forward.

Grateful

“I have loved living and refereeing in Norway but its great to be given the opportunity to come back and referee in England and I cannot wait to get back into it.