Meet The Ref - Blackpool v Latics - Peter Walton

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The Premier League relegation showdown at Bloomfield Road between Blackpool and Wigan Athletic on Saturday will be officiated by Northants referee, 51 year old Peter Walton.

This will be only the second time this season that Walton will have officiated a Latics game, the previous one being the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the DW Stadium back in November.

Former semi-pro player Walton obviously does not wear the trousers in his house, he cited that his wife stopped him from playing football and that`s why he took up the role of a referee, put your foot down man! He has been a Premier League ref since 2003

Walton recently gave an interview to refworld.com an excerpt of which is below:


How did you get introduced into refereeing?

Played semi-pro football for a number of years, however after marriage and work commitments could not commit to time required for that level of football so decided to 'retire'. Took the whistle up as something to do on a Sunday morning.


What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Officiating on the Premier League, in wonderful stadiums and witnessing great players at close quarters.


What is the best game you have officiated and why?

I was an Assistant in the 1996 FA Cup Final Liverpool v Man Utd which whilst a boring game was a great occasion. I also ran the line in a friendly International Germany v Brazil 1998 which was a great thrill. I refereed at the Millennium Stadium in the LDV Trophy Final 2003, when Bristol city beat Carlisle in front of 52,000.


What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?

The obvious ones, dedication, commitment, fitness, but also an ability to manage a variety of situations and a capacity to remain focused on the task and not to be influenced by external factors i.e. media, supporters, player reputations etc


Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?

Three people without any doubt;

1. My Dad, Roy, for his support from grassroots thru' to the Premier League
2. David Elleray (ex referee) for his words of wisdom and steadying influence.
3. My Wife, Jo, who has kept the family together whilst I have spent many nights and days away plying my trade throughout the years.

The above a not in any order of priority!

Definitely under the thumb!!!!

Peter Walton Card Watch:

Games - 27, yellows - 87, reds - 8


The Ref Who Forgot His Cards

Back on March 9th Peter Walton was in charge of Everton`s home game with Birmingham City, shortly before half-time Walton decided a foul by Birmingham player Jordan Mutch merited a yellow card, unfortunately, after much fumbling, Walton realised he`d left his cards in the dressing room and actually raised, well take a look below:
























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