Former assistant referee Dan Robathan has announced he is compelled to leave professional football due to a serious medical diagnosis. The revelation comes just one year after he fulfilled a major career milestone by running the touchline at the 2025 FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.
Robathan spoke to BBC Newsbeat regarding the condition that has forced his early departure from the sport. Medical professionals identified benign tumours on his spine, necessitating the end of his time as an official on the pitch.
Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his retirement, the former official indicated a desire to channel his personal struggles into a positive impact for others. He expressed a strong intention to utilize his experiences with mental health challenges to support and assist fellow individuals navigating similar issues.
Sending him strength. These things can happen to anyone, no matter how fit you are.
Did anyone else notice how sharp his officiating looked last year? Really disappointing it ended like this.
It is inspiring he wants to use this for mental health advocacy. That will help so many people.
Benign but career-ending? That is incredibly tough. Hope he recovers well from the surgery.
Heartbreaking news. He had such a bright future ahead after that fantastic FA Cup final season.