They actually had to test for this??

[Florida Blue]

Couldn't find this gem posted anywhere...this is like saying Howard Webb is found to have no hair (or found out to be Fergie's love child for that matter)

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/05/23/3121720/referee-phil-dowd-fails-fitness-test-for-next-season-report#

Referee Phil Dowd facing career-saving fitness test
Phil Dowd, the 49 year-old referee, may have officiated his final Premier League match after it emerged that he failed a fitness test.

Fitness race: Phil Dowd must pass the Premier League's tests if he is to continue refereeing in the top flight next season

Dowd, who was in chage of the recent FA Cup final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, has plyed his trade in the top flight of English football for the past 12 seasons following three years of refereeing in the Football League.

However, the Stoke-on-Trent based official must now regain his fitness if his is to continue working in the Premier League, the Daily Mail reported on Wednesday.

In the past season Dowd managed 38 games in all competitions, the fourth highest of any of the elite referees. Bizarrely officials have to take their fitness test during May at the end of a long campaign.

Dowd, now , will go on holiday with his future in doubt though will be hoping he manages to pass further tests upon his return.

[Kyle]

Interesting. Does anyone know what the fitness test entails? I wonder if it is simply long distance stamina running...

In my opinion, officials should have to compete against the clock in a steeplechase race.

[youtube]eyRje5nHFo4[/youtube]

[ant london]

I had had a fucking hard week you cunts

[DoomMerchant]

I had had a fucking hard week you cunts

proper chuckle, as you might say.

strange that he'd fail it because from my viewpoint he looks like a slovenly, huge-headed, fat, out of shape bastard who eats a lot of pies and swills a lot of beers.

cheers

[Florida Blue]

I had had a fucking hard week you cunts

proper chuckle, as you might say.

strange that he'd fail it because from my viewpoint he looks like a slovenly, huge-headed, fat, out of shape bastard who eats a lot of pies and swills a lot of beers.

cheers

Who? Dowd or Ant?

[Patrick]

They should focus on eye tests.... Ooh see what idid?