Traditionalists blast plans to grant ref David Ellery a state funeral

SIR BERT Millichip has slammed the FA’s plans to grant ex-referee David Ellery a state funeral, calling the move “populist, and disrespectful to the families of FA legends who are traditionally granted the honour.”

In secret papers uncovered this week it was revealed that Ellery will become one of only four people from outside of the FA family to be given the honour of a state funeral, following Walter Winterbottom, Bobby Moore, and that Zaire player who ran out of the wall to take the free-kick.

The private memo authorising the move is signed by Brian Barwick, Prince William, and Trevor Brooking (twice) and refers to Ellery’s “outstanding contribution to officialdom in this country”. Ellery’s charity work is also highlighted, with the memo drawing attention to his life-long campaign to have the words ‘red’ and ‘yellow’ printed on all cards as standard, after he was moved to tears working on a Ref-Aid project with colourblind African orphans in 1997.

But ex FA-chairman and sometime Countdown guest-host Sir Bert distanced himself from the decision, telling the Daily Mail: “It undermines the singular experience of the state funeral that has previously been reserved only for hallowed members of the FA.

“I am deeply worried about the precedent this sets. Today it is David Ellery but tomorrow it will be Uriah Rennie, or even that lineswoman. A woman!”

The planned funeral will see Ellery lie in state at Soho Square’s FA headquarters for the week leading up to the ceremony. The body will then be transported by pallbearers (including Roger Milford) to Wembley Stadium where it will receive a 21 card salute (10 yellow, 11 red).

After a ceremony featuring specially-composed pro-ref chants, Paul Durkin will read Ellery’s favourite passage from the FA’s Laws of football: Rule 13.4.1, indirect free-kicks inside the penalty area.

Published October 5, 2008

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