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#Post#: 65546--------------------------------------------------
Norman Burtenshaw (1926-2023)
By: John Treleven Date: June 29, 2023, 3:37 am
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A legendary FIFA referee who once sent off George Best for
unsportsmanlike conduct has died aged 97
Norman Burtenshaw, originally from Bradwell, had a lengthy
career on the pitch, officiating historic matches, including the
1971 F.A. Cup Final between Arsenal and Liverpool. Burtenshaw
died in the early hours of Friday 16th June 2023.
Born on February 9, 1926, Burtenshaw started work as an
outfitter, butcher's boy and carpenter's apprentice before
enlisting in the Army. During his service he had two tours in
India and was posted in Egypt once. Later he worked at a
telephone exchange before getting his break on the pitch in
1962.
Following his then career peak refereeing the 1971 F.A. Cup
final, Burtenshaw became infamous for sending George Best off
for verbal abuse early in the 71-72 season. As he sent Best off
Best called him a clown.
Earlier in his career Burtenshaw was knocked unconscious by
enraged Millwall fans following their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa
and led the F.A. to order the club to erect fencing around the
terraces at The Den.
Burtenshaw officiated several high profile games including the
1972 League Cup Final between Stoke City and Chelsea and a
European Cup semi-final second-leg tie between Benfica and Ajax.
He retired at the end of the 72–73 season at the age of 47,
which was mandatory at the time. He was made an O.B.E. in 1974.
After retiring from the pitch Burtenshaw ran the Bradwell sweet
shop and also worked for Gateway Building Society. Still
passionate about the game at all levels, he served as chairman
for the Bradwell Sunday League team El Sol. In 2011 he received
a personalised England international cap Jack Taylor, Gordon Kew
and Pat Partridge.
Burtenshaw was given a tour of Wembley Stadium for his 90th
birthday in 2016. He was also the guest of honour in 2016 for
the golden anniversary of the F.A. Amateur Cup final in 1966,
which he had officiated. He spent his last years living in
Saxmundham with his wife of over 30 years, Brenda, enjoying
walks, pub lunches and visits from friends and family.
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