Photo credit: www.skysports.com
Darren Cann has crafted a distinguished career as a football official, known for his expertise in making critical offside calls during high-stakes matches, including World Cup and Champions League finals, as well as numerous Premier League games.
Reflecting on a lighter moment from a match behind closed doors during the pandemic, Cann remembers an interaction with an international player who stood next to the defensive wall during a free kick.
“The referee reminded him, ‘please, you need to be one metre away,’” Cann recounts. “To which the player asked, ‘is that because of Covid?’”
“No,” the referee responded, “It’s because of the laws of the game.”
This anecdote reveals a seldom-discussed perspective from officials, highlighting how, as Cann humbly states, the players truly are “the most important people.”
Over his career, Cann officiated over 1,000 matches, including 579 in the Premier League. This impressive tally places him among the most trusted names in the sport, alongside notable players like Gareth Barry and Frank Lampard. His reliability and skill earned him respect within football for two decades.
Master of the Margins
To refine his decision-making skills, Cann trained himself to react faster than the game unfolds. “I recorded countless matches and reviewed them at double speed,” he explains. “The game moves much quicker than it appears, and practicing in fast forward helps me when I officiate on a Saturday afternoon.”
His preparation involves meticulous analysis of the last 30 set pieces from both teams, studying their attacking and defending strategies to anticipate potential offside situations.
Understanding the Players
Cann’s on-field insight is bolstered by his background as a former youth player for Crystal Palace and Norwich City, where he played alongside figures such as Sir Gareth Southgate. This experience grants him a unique empathy towards the players, which aids his instantaneous decision-making as a referee.
Contrary to popular belief, Cann assures that referees are equally passionate about the game. “We genuinely care about football,” he asserts. “We train rigorously and strive to make accurate decisions.”
His love for the sport extends to playing five-a-side with fellow referees. “Michael Oliver would love to be known as the best footballer among referees, and we regularly gather to play—ironically, no one wants to officiate these games,” Cann jokes.
The Impact of Technology
Cann’s tenure coincided with significant advancements such as VAR and semi-automated offside systems, yet his approach remains consistent. “Our mindset is to eliminate VAR during the match by making correct calls,” Cann states.
He is optimistic about the new technology that promises quicker checks, noting, “It’s a step in the right direction, but the goal is always to ensure accuracy on the first call without relying on VAR.”
Highlights, Hard Games, and History
Reflecting on his first Premier League match at Upton Park in 2005, Cann admits to feeling nervous, though he was relieved it went well. Two games stand out as career highlights—being part of the only officiating team to work both a Champions League final and a World Cup final in 2010, alongside Howard Webb and Michael Mullarkey.
“These matches are the pinnacle for any player or official,” he notes with pride. His officiating during the Champions League final was seamless, with no errors recorded during a match that was notable for its smooth execution.
Conversely, the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands presented a stern challenge with a record 13 yellow cards and a red card issued to Dutch defender John Heitinga. “It required thorough refereeing, and Howard managed it exceptionally well,” Cann recalls. “It was possibly the toughest two hours of my career, but a memorable experience.”
Tributes and Retirement
Upon concluding his career after a recent match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace, Cann was taken aback by the outpouring of appreciation. “I received countless messages from respected figures in the football community,” he shares. “The recognition has been very humbling.”
A surprise retirement dinner, organized by Howard Webb, offered Cann a heartfelt farewell. “Howard compiled a video of messages from various people in football, including a touching personal message from Sir Gareth Southgate,” he reflects.
The Fastest and the Funniest
Throughout his career, one player stood out in terms of speed: “Thierry Henry was an exceptional player, effortlessly gliding past defenders, and unfortunately, past me as well,” he laughs.
There were also lighter moments, such as an exchange during the warm-up before a Chelsea vs. Liverpool match where a young fan requested Howard’s autograph, only to ask for Fernando Torres’s instead.
One memory that stands out is the electrifying atmosphere as Steven Gerrard scored a long-range goal in the FA Cup final against West Ham, producing an unforgettable roar from the crowd.
Outside of football, Cann unexpectedly gained fame by competing on the game show Pointless, where host Richard Osman recognized him and spent time chatting prior to the filming.
One Regret and One Change
If Cann could change one law of the game, he would limit communication to only team captains when addressing referees. “This would send a positive message down to grassroots football, as it discourages situations where players crowd officials,” he believes. “It worked well during the Euros.”
Regarding regrets, he recalls a specific offside call he misjudged early in his Premier League career, which continues to weigh on his mind. “I won’t disclose the teams involved to avoid upsetting any fans, but it was one of those moments where I simply called it wrong, and it still troubles me today.”
The Final Fall
Despite the intense pressure of officiating at the top level, Cann always maintained a sense of humor. In his last season, he experienced a comical tumble during a match, caught off guard as his studs stuck in the turf. “It was quite embarrassing, reminiscent of Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses,” he quips.
Maintaining balance during matches was usually manageable, thanks to his pre-match routine. “I practiced my flag signals in front of a mirror to ensure precision,” he shares, adding that even at the grassroots level, the referees provide the flags for assistant officials.
However, Cann has a long-serving practice flag at home, one he has used for 25 years. He humorously likens its longevity to the famous broom of Trigger’s character: “I’ve maintained it for so long; it’s had many new parts, but it’s still my trusty flag,” he chuckles.
Source
www.skysports.com