A legendary FIFA referee who once sent off George Best for unsportsmanlike conduct has died.
Norman Burtenshaw, originally from Bradwell, had a lengthy career on the pitch, officiating historic matches, including the 1971 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Liverpool.
Mr Burtenshaw died of old age in the early hours of Friday morning. His grandson Nick Burman said the family had visited the night before, and Mr Burtenshaw seemed "comfortable and ready".
He was 97.
Born on February 9, 1926, Mr Burtenshaw started work as an outfitter, butcher boy and carpenter's apprentice before enlisting in the Army. During his service, Mr Burtenshaw had two tours in India and was posted in Egypt once.
Later, Mr Burtenshaw worked at a telephone exchange before getting his break on the pitch in 1962.
Following his then-career peak refereeing the 1971 FA Cup final, Mr Burtenshaw became infamous for sending George Best off for verbal abuse early in the 71/72 season.
"As he sent Best off, he called him a clown," Mr Burtenshaw's grandson Nick Burman said.
"There was no changing his view on the pitch.
"In his mind, he always made the right decision. Players respected that. Not sure about the fans though.
"He did have his fair share of abuse.
"But that's part of the job, and it never got to him."
Earlier in his career, an incident which saw Mr Burtenshaw knocked unconscious by enraged Millwall fans following their 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa led the FA to order the club to erect fencing around the terraces at The Den.
Mr Burtenshaw officiated several high-profile games as his career rolled on, including the 1972 League Cup Final between Stoke City and Chelsea and a European Cup semi-final second-leg tie between Benfica and Ajax.
He retired at the end of the 72–73 season at the age of 47, which was mandatory at the time.
He was made an OBE in 1974.
After retiring from the pitch, Mr Burtenshaw ran the Bradwell sweet shop and also worked for Gateway Building Society.
Still passionate about the game at all levels, he served as chairman for the Bradwell Sunday League team El Sol.
In 2011, Mr Burtenshaw received a personalised embroidered England international cap at an England FIFA officials meeting in London.
He was honoured alongside fellow refereeing legends Jack Taylor, Gordon Kew and Pat Partridge.
Aside from his love of football, Mr Burtenshaw was a "dedicated family man who loved spending time with his grandchildren".
Mr Burtenshaw was given a tour of Wembley Stadium for his 90th birthday, accompanied by his grandson.
"They made him feel part of the tour," said Mr Burman.
"And he was in his element."
Seeing the pitch seemed to have rekindled a youthful step in the retired referee as he declined assistance when climbing the 107 steps.
"He was just straight up there," Mr Burman added.
Mr Burtenshaw was also the guest of honour for the golden anniversary of the FA Amateur Cup at Wembley Stadium between Wealdstone FC and Maidenhead United FC in 1966, which he had officiated.
"He was treated like royalty," said Mr Burman.
"It was a fantastic day out and one of my favourite memories with my grandad."
As he got older, Mr Burtenshaw kept active by walking at least 1,000 steps every morning before breakfast.
And his love for the beautiful game never faltered.
"He always spoke football and always kept up to date," Mr Burman said.
"As he watched, he always had an opinion. He would watch the ref as much as the players.
"No matter the occasion, we would always talk football. It was our strongest bond."
Mr Burtenshaw spent his last years living a simple life in Saxmundham with his wife of over 30 years, Brenda, enjoying walks, pub lunches and visits from friends and family.
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