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POLL QUITS
EXCLUSIVE Controversial ref blows whistle on his career this Sunday
By John Cross 11/05/2007
GRAHAM POLL has dramatically decided to quit refereeing.
His last game will be Portsmouth's Premiership clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
Poll will end his career early after becoming fed up with the abuse that goes with being the most controversial and high-profile official in English football.
The 43-year-old was publicly ridiculed for his World Cup blunder last summer when he showed three yellow cards to Croatia's Josip Simunic.
Referees' chief Keith Hackett tried to persuade Poll to change his mind.
But Poll, who could have carried on for at least another six years, would not be swayed and was adamant the match at Fratton Park would be his last at the top level. Poll retired from refereeing in international finals after the gaffe in Germany, which put paid to any chance he had of being awarded the World Cup Final.
He was still hoping to be put in charge of this season's Champions League Final, only for that to be scuppered by Liverpool being one of the finalists.
He has been involved in controversy this season after sending off Chelsea captain John Terry during their defeat at Tottenham.
Chelsea players claimed Poll said they needed to be "taught a lesson" but he was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the Premier League.
Nicknamed the Thing From Tring by fans after the Hertfordshire town where he lives, Poll also dismissed Everton's James McFadden in November for allegedly calling him a "cheat" when he waved away a penalty claim for a foul on Andrew Johnson.
His latest run-in was with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho on Wednesday, the pair exchanging angry words during the goalless draw with Manchester United.
It is believes there was jealousy and bitterness among his fellow officials who felt Poll received special treatment.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/fo ... 9520-name_page.html
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