Graham Poll, born on July 29, 1963 in England, is widely regarded as one of Britain's most prominent referees. Throughout his career, he officiated some of the Premier League's biggest matches and was also selected to referee several World Cup matches in 2006.
Poll's career as a referee was not without its controversies. In a memorable 2006 World Cup match between Australia and Croatia, he failed to send off a Croatian player for a second yellow card, leading to widespread criticism. Poll later cited this incident as the reason for his decision to retire from refereeing.
Despite the controversial end to his career, Poll remained involved in the world of football after retiring. He made occasional appearances on the syndicated radio show World Soccer Daily and also wrote columns for Sky News Sunrise.
Off the field, Poll enjoyed a happy family life. He was married to his wife Julie, with whom he had two children.
Poll's legacy as a referee is a mix of accolades and criticism. While he officiated some of the most important matches in football, his career was also marked by high-profile errors. In a 2004 Premier League game, Poll controversially allowed a free kick to Arsenal's Thierry Henry, further adding to the scrutiny he faced during his time as a referee.
Despite the challenges he faced during his career, Poll's contributions to the sport of football are undeniable. His name will always be remembered among the top referees in the game, with a career that spanned both domestic and international competitions.
In conclusion, Graham Poll's career as a referee may have had its ups and downs, but his impact on the world of football is undeniable. His name will forever be etched in the history books as one of Britain's most prominent officials, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.