Information

Select Referee Profile

Select Group Peter Walton

Appointed to National Referees list in 1998 and to the Select Group Referees list in 2003.

Peter was the Assistant Referee in the 1996 FA Cup Final at Wembley between Manchester United and Liverpool. 12 years later he would referee the 2008 Community Shield between Portsmouth and Manchester United.

How did you get introduced into refereeing?

Played semi-pro football for a number of years, however after marriage and work commitments could not commit to time required for that level of football so decided to 'retire'. Took the whistle up as something to do on a Sunday morning.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Officiating on the Premier League, in wonderful stadiums and witnessing great players at close quarters.

What is the best game you have officiated and why?

I was an Assistant in the 1996 FA Cup Final Liverpool v Man Utd which whilst a boring game was a great occasion. I also ran the line in a friendly International Germany v Brazil 1998 which was a great thrill. I refereed at the Millennium Stadium in the LDV Trophy Final 2003, when Bristol city beat Carlisle in front of 52000.

What are your aims as a Select Group Referee?

To improve my standards as a Referee and to ensure that all stakeholders (fans, managers, chairmen etc) feel as if they have the best referee possible on their matches.

What skills do you think you need to become a professional referee?

The obvious ones, dedication, commitment, fitness, but also an ability to manage a variety of situations and a capacity to remain focused on the task and not to be influenced by external factors i.e. media, supporters, player reputations etc.

Who has been the biggest influence in your career and why?

Three people without any doubt;

1. My Dad, Roy, for his support from grassroots thru' to the Premier League

2. David Elleray (ex referee) for his words of wisdom and steadying influence.

3. My Wife, Jo, who has kept the family together whilst I have spent many nights and days away plying my trade throughout the years.

The above a not in any order of priority!

In your opinion who is/was the best referee?

There have been many great referees throughout each decade of the game. Each one has had to move on as the game moved on and to single one or two out would be unfair to all those who have felt the lows and the highs of this beautiful game. We can all learn of each other and my advise would be to watch as many colleagues as possible in at every level of the game and to gleen off them elements that you think would enhance you own performance.