Medical retirement forces Premier League referee Dan Robathan to rethink his future

While Dan Robathan was still basking in the prestige of officiating the 2025 FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City, a hidden health crisis forced him to step away from the Premier League. The 38‑year‑old assistant referee was compelled to retire on medical grounds after doctors discovered two benign tumours in his spine, a fact announced in a statement released on 25 Sep 2026.

Career highlight and sudden diagnosis

Robathan’s career pinnacle came when he served on the officiating team for the 2025 FA Cup final, a match that pitted Crystal Palace against Manchester City. Just a year later, he told BBC Newsbeat that what he first assumed was sciatic nerve pain turned out to be spinal tumours, prompting immediate surgery.

"I saw a neurosurgeon who told me I had two tumours, initially I thought it was one, but it was two," the FIFA assistant referee explained to the BBC. He added that the growths were compressing nerves and threatened motor function in his leg, leaving him bedridden for 15 days.

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Surgery, recovery and retirement

Surgeons removed one tumour and left the other untouched after deeming it safe. By the end of 2025 Robathan still suffered fatigue, difficulty lifting his heel and impaired calf sensation. The surgeon warned of under a 10 % chance of ever returning to the field, a prognosis Robathan initially dismissed.

Ultimately, the decision to retire was taken out of his hands. "The decision was made for me," he said, confirming his forced exit from professional refereeing.

In an Instagram post, Robathan announced, "After 28 years, it’s official, I’ve medically retired from professional refereeing. The tumours in my spine took the thing I’d built my whole life around, and I’ve grieved it, I’m still grieving it, honestly." He added that he is not finished with life’s next chapter.

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Future plans and mental health advocacy

A Pro Ref statement praised his 203 Premier League matches and over 200 EFL and domestic cup fixtures, noting the league’s support during his health battle. Robathan is now working with a psychologist to chart his next steps, comparing his situation to a 16‑year‑old leaving school.

He expressed a desire to stay involved in football, but mental‑health challenges make the prospect uncertain. "I want to put my son, fiancée, my step‑children first. I want to advocate for men’s mental health, for men speaking about health issues," he said.

Robathan hopes that by sharing his story he can help one or two men, concluding that "I’ve done my job" if he achieves that.

Comments Sport Bruna Reis Senior Sports Journalist 14:24, 25 Sep 2026 View Image Dan Robathan has retired as a Premier League assistant referee After Ref