Attwell dropped from Premier League

Referee Stuart Attwell has been axed from the Premier League’s elite list of officials after a string of high-profile blunders.

Attwell’s recent errors included the sending off of then-Bolton defender Gary Cahill at White Hart Lane in December for allegedly preventing a goal-scoring opportunity.

The card, given for a challenge made on the halfway line, was later rescinded but the 10-man Trotters lost the Premier League clash 3-0.

Mike Riley, head of the referees governing committee, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), suggested that while Attwell may have found the Premier League too demanding, his step-down does not signal the end of his top-flight career.

“Throughout his career in the Select Group, Stuart has demonstrated great courage and mental strength in responding to the challenges that he has faced,” he said.

“He has shown many of the attributes of a top flight official but the Premier League is an exacting standard with huge demands.”

“This is not the end for Stuart. There are several match officials who have returned to the National List and benefited from it.”

“Stuart has a high level of maturity and responsibility and I’m convinced that he has a long-term future as a referee at the very highest level.”

Attwell, 29, greeted his relegation with optimism and has vowed to return to England’s top flight.

“I have learned a great deal from my involvement in the Select Group over the last four years and I am now looking forward to building on that valuable experience,” he said.

“I strongly believe I have a lot to offer refereeing, and I now look forward with commitment and enthusiasm to the new challenge that I am undertaking.”

“This is supported by a determination to continue my career development, and return to the Select Group as soon as possible.”