Barrhead News | News | REFEREE TO QUIT TOWN

Saturday, 22nd November, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 8th October, 2008 13:00

REFEREE TO QUIT TOWN

By Amanda Keenan

Print Article

TOP referee Mike McCurry is rumoured to be fleeing Barrhead after claims he is being taunted by football fans.

McCurry, 43, has put his plush home on the market after allegedly being subjected to a string of vile abuse.

McCurry (left) who has lived in the town with his wife Linda for 20 years has told the media in the past that his windows have been smashed and dead rats posted through his letterbox.

At the time he said: “I suppose it is just part of the job and fans can get very angry.”

But now it seems that McCurry who stays on Commercial Road has had enough and plans to move out of Barrhead for good.

One source told the News: “I heard last week that he is selling up because he is not popular with certain people in the town.

“I know that his windows have been smashed on a few occasions and he’s had quite a tough time over the years.”

McCurry who is a Baptist Associate Pastor at Mosspark Baptist Church in Glasgow has attracted controversy after his alleged affair with a 22-year-old Sunday School teacher was exposed.

And the controversial referee was also allegedly filmed singing Rangers favourite ‘Simply the Best’ at one of his church sermons. But McCurry claimed that he sang the song in praise of God doing his best for his congregation.

One local added: “It seems that there are a few people determined to cause trouble and no-one wants that.

“I haven’t seen him for a while but with all this going on I suppose he will be keeping to himself.”

McCurry has become a controversial figure in Scottish football, having been criticised on a number of occasions for his handling of matches involving Rangers, most notably a match against Dundee United on May 10 2008.

McCurry later admitted that he had made several mistakes in the match.

He also considers his refereeing to be a hobby and lists his main occupation as “Minister of Christian Faith”.

The Barrhead News tried to contact Mr McCurry but he was unavailable for comment.

Social Bookmarking What are these?