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Bobby Madley: Real reason Premier League referee quit revealed
BOBBY MADLEY stepped down as a professional referee this week, and the real reason why has been revealed.
Madley, one of England’s top refs, stood back from football this week with PGMOL only releasing a brief statement.
“Bobby Madley is no longer employed by PGMOL. We understand that he has decided to relocate due to a change in his personal circumstances.”
That led to suspicion of the reason after a video emerged on social media and calls were made to clear things up.
But the Sun have today reported that Madley quit the game due to the collapse of his marriage.
Madley’s family have branded the social media flurry as ‘utter rubbish’ and confirmed that he has split from wife Rachel, 34, after two years of marriage.
Madley was one of 18 professional referees and had overseen 91 Premier League matches since 2013.
He officiated the 2017 Community Shield and 19 Premier League games last term.
But Madley was not in attendance at the pre-season referees briefing at St George’s Park this summer.
He missed the opening weekend of the season and this week it emerged that he had quit his role.
Former referee Keith Hackett called for answers to stop the mystery and the rumours rumbling on social media.
“For the PGMOL, that’s it. They have released their statement and nothing more will be said,” he exclusively told Express Sport.
“But most people in refereeing will see a top ref suddenly depart aged just 32 and question ‘why has it happened?’
“He should have had another 20 years plus as a pro referee. Look, you don’t get a Fifa badge without performing as well as he has.
“I am just shocked and disappointed. He’s a young referee, just 32, who is extremely well regarded.
“Frankly it’s a mystery and now we all want to know why. It’s very sad.”