Racism Likely Denied Trailblazing Official Emerson Griffith Chance to Become Football League’s First Black Referee
A pioneering football official, Emerson Griffith, may have been denied the opportunity to become the Football League’s first Black referee due to pervasive racism in the 1970s and 80s, according to accounts from his family and historical records. Griffith, appointed to the league’s list of linesmen in 1979, was believed to be the first match official of African and Caribbean descent to reach that level, yet never officiated as a referee.
Griffith’s stepson, Andy Griffith, believes his father’s career was significantly hampered by racial prejudice. “He felt he would have got more opportunities to officiate at a higher level if it wasn’t for racism and he found that very difficult to deal with, especially after he retired,” Andy said.
The abuse Griffith endured wasn’t limited to verbal attacks from the stands. As a linesman, he was particularly vulnerable to abuse. “Being a linesman, you are exposed to that abuse more than anyone else involved in the match,” Andy explained. “You are on the touchline with your back to the crowd. You can’t see the people behind you; they are within touching distance sometimes. It’s a scary situation to be in if the crowd is against you. I really don’t know how he put up with it.”
Adding to the difficulty, racist attitudes weren’t confined to fans. Andy recounted witnessing prejudiced remarks from individuals in positions of power. “I would often be sat in, or close to, the directors’ box. I’m white, so people had no idea Emerson was my dad. I’d often hear racist remarks from directors or chairmen around me. At the end of the match they would then be putting their arm round my dad, laughing and joking with him and thanking him.”
Emerson Griffith emigrated from Barbados to London in 1961, initially settling in Palmers Green before moving to Edmonton. He began his refereeing journey at the non-League level in 1970, steadily climbing the ranks while simultaneously working full-time as a Post Office manager. His career included notable appointments such as fourth official at the 1984 Charity Shield match between Everton and Liverpool, and running the line in a European Cup-Winners’ tie between Real Zaragoza and Roma in October 1986.
However, Griffith’s career wasn’t without incident. He was at the center of two separate incidents involving player misconduct. In March 1983, Watford striker John Chiedozie was sent off during a match against Notts County, with the opposing manager, Howard Wilkinson, alleging that Chiedozie had made a racially charged insult directed at Griffith. A year prior, Leyton Orient’s captain was stripped of his armband after throwing the ball towards Griffith during an FA Cup replay. While the player claimed it wasn’t racially motivated, the incident highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding Griffith’s presence on the pitch.
Griffith himself attempted to downplay the impact of the abuse he received, stating in a 1981 Daily Express article, “Most of it is good natured. A little is malicious but I don’t let it bother me. Don’t forget every linesman, white or black, can expect to get the verbals from the crowd, particularly when he gives an offside decision the wrong way.” Andy suspects his father felt pressured to adopt a stoic approach, mirroring the resilience displayed by Black players like Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham who faced similar prejudice during that era.
Despite his talent and dedication, Griffith never achieved his ambition of becoming a Football League referee. This unfulfilled goal remained a source of sadness for him, according to Andy. “He felt he was good enough and that he was overlooked for people who weren’t as good,” Andy said. “We’ll never know how much of that was real or how much of it was perceived, but when you look at how under-represented officials of colour remain even today, it does make you wonder.”
The landmark moment of a Black referee officiating a Football League match didn’t arrive until 1997, when Uriah Rennie, born in Jamaica, took charge of a game between Derby County and Wimbledon. It would be another 15 years before Sam Allison oversaw a Premier League match, Sheffield United versus Luton Town in December 2023. Currently, only 7% of officials in England’s professional game are of Black, Asian, or mixed heritage.
Beyond the on-field challenges, Griffith faced personal struggles in his later years, battling with gambling, drinking, and mental health issues. Andy believes these issues were potentially exacerbated by the stress of enduring racism throughout his career. Emerson Griffith passed away in 2019 at the age of 70.
However, Griffith’s contribution to the game is now being recognized. His story is featured in “Black In The Game: The Black Influence on English Football,” an exhibition at the National Football Museum in Manchester, running until mid-March 2026, ensuring his legacy as a trailblazer is remembered and acknowledged.
