Mark Halsey

Mark R Halsey born 8th July 1961 is a retired professional football referee, who has referred at the highest level. Born in Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire and now based in Bolton Manchester. Mark was a referee from 1999 to 2013 and was on the leagues list of Select Group Referees since its creation in 2001.

His first premier league appointment was a fixture between Wimbledon and Coventry City in August 1999 and in the course of his career refereed a number of notable matches including the FA Community Shield in 2007 and the 2008 final of the football league cup.

In 2009 unfortunately Mark was diagnosed with a cancerous tumour in his throat and underwent chemotherapy. He returned to refereeing in the top flight in 2010, announcing his retirement at the end of 2012-2013 season. Mark is now one of the top pundits on BT Sport and can be seen on our screens every week.

As an after dinner speaker Mark can talk 40 minutes to an hour if required and is also happy to do questions and answer sessions. He is proving to be very popular on the circuit with many stories from his referee career along with his battle with cancer. Mark states his “strength of character, a loving family and the unlikely friendship of a man supposedly the enemy of referees: Jose Mourinho” have all contributed to keeping him on top of his game for 17 years.

Mark is also available for motivational talks at a director or sales and marketing level. He speaks about the pressures of management and also his fight with cancer and the team around him that enabled him to succeed and return to his career. Mark is capable of moulding his talk around a specific subject/goal your client may require.

“I admired Mark’s courage and conviction that he would beat his cancer. He came back to give high quality performances that won regular praise from manger and players. He did it his was and demonstrated great communication skills that were appreciated by many involved in our great game.” Keith Hackett former head of Premier League referees

“Top referee and top man. Mark always brought a smile to a game and remembered the crowds had come to see the players.” Steven Gerrard, Liverpool and England Captain

“I admired Mark’s courage and conviction that he would beat his cancer. He came back to give high quality performances that won regular praise from manger and players. He did it his was and demonstrated great communication skills that were appreciated by many involved in our great game.” Keith Hackett former head of Premier League referees

“Top referee and top man. Mark always brought a smile to a game and remembered the crowds had come to see the players.” Steven Gerrard, Liverpool and England Captain