Darren Cann’s involvement in the Manchester City v Crystal Palace clash at the Etihad Stadium this weekend will be his last fixture as a Premier League official
Experienced Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has announced his retirement from the game – after more than 500 matches in the top flight.
Cann, who was assistant to Howard Webb in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, has enjoyed more than 30 years in the game, including 20 as a regular Premier League official. His final appearance on Saturday will be his 579th, the most by any match official in the Premier League’s history.
The 56-year-old ref will end his colourful career, running the line at the Etihad Stadium where Manchester City will take on Crystal Palace. He will work alongside Jarred Gillett and fellow assistant referee Ian Hussin as he bows out of the league. Speaking ahead of the swan song, Cann said: “It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love.”
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Cann, from Norfolk, became a referee in 1991 aged 22. Since then, he has overseen in various capacities more than 1,000 professional matches domestically on the international stage, setting the benchmark for consistency and professionalism.
He regularly worked with Webb, now the boss of the current group of Premier League refs, and they and Mike Mullarkey were assigned the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands in 2010. Cann also represented England in the 2014 competition, which was held in Brazil, and the 2008 EUROs.
The father of two said: “Officiating the World Cup final and the Champions League final are memories I will cherish forever but, above all, I’m proud of the fact I’ve given 100 per cent in every single match throughout my career… This Saturday will be my 579th – and final – Premier League match. It’s been an honour to serve the professional game for the last 25 years.”
Cann’s illustrious career also includes appearances at the FIFA Confederations Cup, the FIFA U20 World Cup and the FIFA U17 World Cup, affirming his reputation as one of the best assistant referees in the history of the game. The whistleblower became a top-flight referee in 2005, after operating in the Football League for around four years.
Webb, who became Cann’s boss in 2022, said: “Darren’s career has been nothing short of exceptional. As I know first-hand from working with Darren on many matches, he is an official of extraordinary talent and he has performed at the very highest level with distinction. His professionalism and dedication have made him an outstanding ambassador for English officiating.
“We wish him all the very best as he steps away from the field — though we’re sure his impact will continue to be felt for many years to come.”
