Referee gets summons to the Palace

Howard Webb, from Rotherham in South Yorkshire, will referee the game between two of England’s oldest amateur clubs next month, being staged as part of the Football Association’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

Webb has performed at the highest level, having taken charge of World Cup and Champions League finals and the recent premier league Manchester derby match.

The 42-year-old former police officer said: “I’ve been lucky enough to referee some of the biggest games in football but to oversee a match at Buckingham Palace will be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“It’s also an honour to be involved in an event that celebrates the volunteers within football who give up their time so that millions of people can enjoy the nation’s favourite game.”

He will be joined by two aspiring referees from the grassroots level of the game, Ashleigh Ainsley and Robert Columb, both part of the Charlton FC Referee Academy.

The Duke of Cambridge, president of the FA, helped arrange the Southern Amateur League fixture on October 7 between Civil Service FC and Polytechnic FC.

Both sides are based in the Chiswick area of west London.

Civil Service FC is the sole surviving club from the 11 clubs that founded the FA in the Freemasons’ Tavern, Great Queen Street, in London in 1863.

They would later draft the 13 original laws of association football. Polytechnic FC was formed in 1875.

Prince William will host the event and also present medals to 150 grassroots volunteers in recognition of their dedication to the sport. The match is being held in tribute to their commitment.