Reports claim that referee Mark Halsey could walk away from soccer due to the threats and abuse he’s received following the Wigan-Newcastle game he officiated over theweekend in which Wigan midfielder Callum McManaman sent Newcastle defender Massadio Haidara to the hospital with a knee-high tackle. Halsey told The Sun hedid not see the incident despite being only 10 yards away, which is why he failed to award a free kick.
Ever since the incident, Halsey has been subjected to abuse on Twitter and elsewherein the media. The Sun quotes a friend who says that, “after something like this he is left wondering whether it is all worth it. He didn’t even sleep onSunday.”
Meanwhile,
Poll added: “People asked me why I stopped when I was 42. I’d rather stop refereeing and people sayyou should have done another couple of years than go on too long. That’s why I’m fearing for Mark.”
There is a great need for experienced referees at all levels. If his ego isn’t too fragile, I’m sure he would be welcome in the Championship or League 1.