Ray Tinkler

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Raymond Tinkler, who comes from Boston, Lincolnshire, was an English football referee, most notable for making a controversial decision in the 1970-71 season.

During a game between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road on April 17, 1971, with the score already at 1-0 to West Brom, Tinkler allowed play to continue when a linesman flagged for offside. Albion player Tony Brown had intercepted a ball and carried on running, hence the offside player (Suggett) was not interfering with play. This resulted in West Bromwich's Jeff Astle scoring a goal to make it 2-0. Tinkler's decision caused outrage; he was surrounded by Leeds players, a Leeds fan ran on to the pitch before being removed by police, and even Leeds manager Don Revie entered the pitch to argue with him. Leeds lost the game 2-1, losing impetus in the Division One title race, which they eventually lost by one point to Arsenal.[1]

Tinkler is a retired Chairman of the Football Association Referees’ Committee and The Referees' Association.[2] He is currently Chairman of Lincolnshire FA.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Ref justice!, article recalling the 1971 Leeds v. WBA match: BBC.co.uk website.
  2. ^ Confirmation of former 'Chair' positions: TheFA.com website.
  3. ^ Current 'Chair' position with Lincolnshire FA: Guardian Unlimited website.
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