Top referee Webb will describe rise to top

Rotherham-born Webb will give a talk at York St John University on Thursday when he will disclose how he progressed from officiating local matches in South Yorkshire to overseeing the notoriously ill-tempered World Cup Final in 2010.

Webb, who also referred the Uefa Champions League Final in the same year, issued a record 14 yellow cards during the World Cup final in Johannesburg, South Africa, which saw Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0.

The referee was awarded an honorary doctor of health sciences degree by York St John University in 2011 in recognition of his contribution to sport.

A spokeswoman for the university said: “The Leading the Field talk will focus on Howard’s journey from grassroots football to the World Cup Final, looking at the personal skills and attributes required.

“During the talk, Howard will highlight the importance of self-belief, perseverance and teamwork, giving those in attendance an insightful and unique look into the high-profile world of his career.”

Webb, who is on a career break from his job as a South Yorkshire police sergeant, will be appearing as part of the university’s Go York series of lectures.

Other speakers will include leading wheelchair athlete Alan Rayment on March 21 and human rights campaigner and director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti on May 1.

Webb will give the free talk in Temple Hall at York St John University from 6.30pm on Thursday. More information about the Go York series of lectures is available at www.yorksj.ac.uk/goyork.

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