Red card for refs' chief Don

Philip Don will be forced to leave his post "shortly" as referees' chief because his job has become redundant, it was announced today.

Don, 50, is currently select group manager of Professional Game Match Officials Limited, which was set up three years ago to help in the transition to full-time referees in the top flight.

However, the company is now looking to appoint a general manager to oversee all the organisation's work, rather than the more technical role currently held by Don.

PGMOL said in a statement: "The management and development of officials has made huge strides in the past five years and Philip has been the driving force behind those changes. The board would like to thank Philip for his contribution and unswerving commitment and wish him every success for the future."