South Yorkshire Police sergeant to referee world cup final
Friday, 09 July, 2010
South Yorkshire Police Sergeant Howard Webb will referee the World Cup final on Sunday.
Howard, 38, will become the first Englishman to referee the prestigious football tournament since 1974.
"It's a great achievement and we are delighted for him," said Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt.
"He has a good reputation as a sergeant and you can spot some policing traits in the games that he handles. Intervening in heated situations and separating people and calming them down is not too dissimilar to policing on a Friday or Saturday night! He's not afraid to take tough decisions either. I think he's considered as firm but fair. We wish him all the very best on the world's stage. "
Howard, who lives in the Rotherham area, is on a five-year career break with the Force as a safer neighbourhood team sergeant at Attercliffe in Sheffield.
He joined South Yorkshire Police in August 1993.
