IT IS with great sadness that we announce the passing of referee Daniel Mason, aged 33 from Stowmarket.

Dan, a level five referee, was a well-loved character among his colleagues and the Suffolk football community, regularly refereeing within local leagues including the Suffolk & Ipswich League and Suffolk Youth Football League.

At the end of the 2017/18 season, Dan (pictured above, third from the left) was appointed as an assistant referee in the Suffolk FA Senior Reserve Cup Final.

Dan will be sorely missed by us all and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

After speaking with his family, anyone wishing to send their condolences can do so via the Referees’ Department, either by post or by e-mailing Referees@SuffolkFA.com.