Ex-Premier League referee banned over racist remark after FA Cup tie in Newport

A WELSH former Premier League referee has been banned for five months by the Football Association after being found to have made a made racist comments at Rodney Parade.

Referee observer Rodger Gifford, from Llanbradach in Caerphilly, has been suspended from all football and football-related activity for five months, fined £400 and ordered to attend an education programme.

Gifford, who worked in the Premier League from 1992 to 1996, denied the charge of an offence at the FA Cup second round tie between Newport County AFC and Barnet at Rodney Parade on December 2.

However, after statements from the team of officials, an independent regulatory commission found it to be proven and imposed the sanctions.

Referee Jacob Miles said: “In the observer debrief after the match, there was a comment made by the observer (Rodger Gifford) towards the assistant referee coach (who was listening to the debrief) which was inappropriate regarding his skin colour.

“Whilst commenting on the brightness of the floodlights and advertising boards on the far side of the ground and how at times it was difficult to see as it was dark in areas, Mr Gifford said “it was lucky that you were not over there as assistant referee as we wouldn’t have been able to see you.

“If you smiled though, we would be able to see your teeth. [Name redacted] is a black skinned man, so this comment was made regarding to his race.

“I felt this was a very inappropriate comment and although slightly laughed off in jest by [named redacted] , it made the dressing room an awkward place for a few moments due to what had been said.”

That statement was backed up by the assistant referees and fourth official.

Gifford pleaded not guilty and the FA report said he “stated that he did not believe that he meant the comments with any malice”, “would never intentionally insult a valued colleague” and that he immediately emailed an apology.

However, the Regulatory Commission unanimously found the charge proven.

In 2022 Gifford had admitted a similar breach and was suspended for eight weeks, fined £200 and ordered to undertake an education programme.

It has been reported that Gifford, who was used on a freelance basis by the PGMOL, has not worked as an observe since the game in Newport.