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Author Topic: Fred Lindop (Rugby League referee)  (Read 477 times)

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John Treleven

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Fred Lindop (Rugby League referee)
« on: Wed 25 Jan 2023 07:53 »
Fred Lindop: Former rugby league referee dies, aged 84

Former rugby league match official Fred Lindop, who refereed the 1970 World Cup final, four Challenge Cup finals and many Test matches, has died aged 84. Lindop, who was part of the Wakefield society of referees, famously took charge of the 1980 all-Hull Challenge Cup final - won by Kingston Rovers. His final game was the 1988 final between holders Halifax and Wigan, and he received the MBE a year later.

"Fred was a role model for me, current referee Ben Thaler said. He will go down as one of the greatest officials to ever grace the game of rugby league. His contribution to the sport goes well beyond that of a referee, inspiring many young players through the amateur clubs of Eastmoor and Oulton, as well as his dedication to moving officials to a new level - he really was a one-off."

His work as a coach at local clubs Eastmoor, Oulton and with the University of Sheffield were all part of his wider contribution to the sport.

"Following the sad loss of David Oxley, the sport of rugby league will again be united in paying tribute to Fred Lindop for his immense contribution," Rugby Football League chair Simon Johnson said. He showed remarkable longevity as a referee, earning respect from players and admiration from supporters and television viewers, as he became a familiar figure on the BBC on winter Saturday afternoons."

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JCFC

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Re: Fred Lindop (Rugby League referee)
« Reply #1 on: Wed 25 Jan 2023 19:33 »
In the sixties there were several fine RL officials, but when the young G F Lindop appeared on the scene, he brought a whole new dimension to the role. Athletic, fit unfailingly accurate and consistent, and stylish without being flashy, he set the tone for successors to try to follow, though few have come near him. When a young fan asked him to sign his autograph book as he arrived to take charge of a match at Thrum Hall, Mr Lindop modestly explained that he wasn't a player - but seemed pleased with the reply that he would not be being asked if he were,  and duly signed.

I have no doubt, when asked who was the best referee I have ever seen in any code, in answering "Fred Lindop."
« Last Edit: Wed 25 Jan 2023 19:43 by JCFC »
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Hendo

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Re: Fred Lindop (Rugby League referee)
« Reply #2 on: Thu 26 Jan 2023 07:04 »
Sad to hear about Fred Lindop, as stated  above he was an outstanding referee.
In my younger days there were 3 refs who stood out for me - Lindop, Billy Thompson and Robin Whitfield. If RL was on Grandstand on  Saturday afternoon it was almost invariably one of these 3 refereeing

JCFC

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Re: Fred Lindop (Rugby League referee)
« Reply #3 on: Sun 31 Dec 2023 21:33 »
When scrolling through the list of people who died in 2023 today, I was sad to discover that another International and Cup Final Rugby League referee, John Holdsworth, had died in February, aged 75.

He came on the scene some time after I had moved away from Rugby League country, so I only saw him on television, rather than live, but he always impressed me - and was clearly highly regarded by those who knew rather more about these things.
« Last Edit: Sun 31 Dec 2023 21:42 by JCFC »
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BabyRef

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Re: Fred Lindop (Rugby League referee)
« Reply #4 on: Sun 28 Jan 2024 18:27 »
John Holdsworth had a rather unique style... not sure how it would go down these days. Entertaining at the very least!

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