Let’S Take A Moment To Remember The Incredible Life Of George Tyson, The Legendary North East Football Referee Who Passed Away At The Age Of 84. George Was Known For His Infectious Smile And His Unwavering Passion For The Game. Born On May 22, 1939, In Hendon, He Spent His Early Years Playing Football And Cricket For His School Teams. Although He Had Trials With Sunderland AFC, He Eventually Found His Calling As A Referee.
After Qualifying As A Class 3 Football Referee In 1965, George Faced Some Challenges But Eventually Found His Stride And Quickly Rose Through The Ranks. He Officiated In Various Leagues And Even Had The Opportunity To Referee Internationally. His Career Highlights Include Being The English Representative In The 1988 Pre-Olympic Tournament In Korea And Officiating In The 1988 FA Cup Between Liverpool And Wimbledon.
Off The Field, George Was A Devoted Family Man, Cherishing His Wife Christina, Their Children Helen And John, And Their Grandchildren Grace, Cameron, Will, And Lola. He Also Had A Passion For Golf And Served As The Chairman Of The Sunderland Referees Association For Over 25 Years.
Many Have Paid Tribute To George, Including Former Referee Keith Hackett, Who Fondly Remembered His Mischievous Smile, And Football Writer Mike Amos, Who Described George As A Great Referee And A Lovely Man.
George’S Impact On The Football Community And His Warm Personality Will Be Dearly Missed. Let’S Honour His Memory And The Joy He Brought To The Game. Rest In Peace, George Tyson.