| George McCabe | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 13, 1922 Sheffield, Yorkshire England |
| Died | January 2001 Sheffield |
| Occupation | Association football referee |
| Known for | 1966 FIFA World Cup |
George McCabe (born March 13, 1922,[1] Sheffield, Yorkshire; died January 2001[2]) was an English association football referee, who officiated at the 1966 World Cup and in an FA Cup Final.
McCabe, though awarded the 1969 FA Cup Final in the domestic game in England, is perhaps more well-known for his handling of the Brazil versus Portugal World Cup match played at Goodison Park, Liverpool, on July 19, 1966, in which he was assisted by Wales' Leo Callaghan and England's Ken Dagnall.[3]
During that game he failed to send João Morais from the field of play after a double foul on Pelé.[4] Although McCabe had appeared on the line in Brazil's victory over Bulgaria a week earlier,[5] he played no further part in the competition following this incident.[6]
Brian Glanville, writing of the match, stated: "Pelé would say that it was only when he saw the incident on film that he realised how bad it was. He would swear, then, never to play in a World Cup again. The indulgent, flaccid English referee, George McCabe, allowed Morais to stay on the field, so that now Portugal were playing against ten men".[7] In 2010, The Telegraph listed it among the 10 worst refereeing errors in World Cup history.[4]
The official Sheffield United website mentions his passing when crediting him with being co-founder (along with Derek Dooley) of the "Senior Blades Club", for over-60 supporters. No year of demise is specified, but it is believed to be January 2001.[2]
| Preceded by Leo Callaghan |
FA Cup Final Referee 1969 |
Succeeded by Eric Jennings |