Premier League ref retires after 23 seasons and fans can’t say ‘bye’ soon enough

A veteran Premier League referee has announced his retirement from front-line action – and fans couldn’t wait to wave him off.

Arsenal’s 5-0 victory over Wolves on the final day of the season was Andre Marriner’s swansong after 391 games and 19 years at the top level (23 years overall as a referee). His first Premier League fixture was Charlton vs Norwich in 2004 after being promoted from the Football League.

Marriner was on the FIFA list of referees for nine years, officiating in World Cup and European Championship qualifiers, as well as international club competitions. He also took charge of an FA Cup final – Wigan’s memorable win over Manchester City in 2013 – and the 2017 League Cup final between Manchester United and Southampton.

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“I’ll miss the moments out on the pitch but I’ve got so many great memories to look back on – I’ve loved almost every minute of it," said Marriner as he reflected on his career.

“It’s been a long and hugely enjoyable road since qualifying through the Birmingham County FA in my early 20s and I’m proud of what I’ve fortunately been able to go and achieve in the game. To officiate internationally, on domestic finals and in the best league in the world, I feel very honoured.”

How would you sum Andre Marriner's Premier League career? Tell us in the comments section below

However, touching tributes from fans were few and far between for Marriner and his fellow officiating retirees, Andy Hendley, Andy Woolmer, Carl Boyeson, Billy Smallwood and Andy Laver.

In fact, some fans couldn’t wave them off quickly enough. Within seconds of the retirement announcement via the PGMOL, one user had already tweeted “bye”.

Another said: “Excellent news, dinosaurs.” A third weighed in: “Time to recruit people who can do the job.”

A fourth declared: “Good. They must be the most hopeless bunch of officials in the history of football.”

There were a couple of warmer comments though, including one fan who tweeted: “Despite all the negative comments, a massive well done to all and the very best for the future.”

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