Darren Cann Officiates Final Match After Legendary Career

Darren Cann, the Premier League's longest-serving assistant referee, will officiate his final match on Saturday, marking his 579th appearance in the league, a record number. At 56, Cann has officiated over 1,000 professional matches and participated in 140 international fixtures, including two World Cups and a Champions League Final. Reflecting on his career, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the sport he loves, stating, "It’s been the privilege of my life to serve the game that I love." His journey began in 1991 when he enrolled in a refereeing course, eventually joining the Premier League officiating list in 2005. The match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace will also be noteworthy as it will be the first to utilize semi-automated offside technology. The Professional Game Match Officials praised Cann's consistency and professionalism throughout his distinguished career.