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Lot 23
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← World Cup Special 16th November 2022

Mervyn Griffiths referee/lineman 1950 World Cup in Brazil two photographs in original presentation folders of referees/officials at reception World Cu

Hammer Price:
£220
Estimated Price:

£260 - £300

Mervyn Griffiths referee/lineman 1950 World Cup in Brazil two photographs in original presentation folders of referees/officials at reception World Cup, first photograph 9.5 by 8in. in mount and folder 12 by 9in. of all referees/officials/linemen at reception, mount signed in ink by approx. 37, includes George Reader who refereed the opening and final game, Rec Leafe, Sir Stanley Rous, Dattilo who refereed England v USA, Gardelli Brazil etc., second photograph sold with second presentation folder with photograph of selection of referees signed to mount in ink, (5), including Scottish referee George Mitchell who refereed Sweden v Paraquay 29th June Mervyn Griffiths referee/lineman 1950 World Cup in Brazil. Lots 23 to 27. Mervyn "Sandy" Griffiths international referee started his career as a linesman in 1939. And was a Football League referee from 1945-59 and FIFA listed 1949-58. He refereed international matches all over the world, together with the famous 1953 Cup final Bolton v Blackpool, his decision with two minutes to go enabled Stan Mortensen to equalise with a free kick, the rest is history. He went into the crowd before the match and bought 50 programmes to give to his pupils back in Newport, Wales, where he was a teacher. Griffiths represented Wales in three World Cups 1950, 1954 and 1958. In 1950 he appeared in the opening match as linesman and refereed Brazil v Yugoslavia and Uruguay v Spain. In 1954 he refereed the opening game Yugoslavia v France and semi-final Hungary v Uruguay and assisted William Ling as lineman in the final Hungary v West Germany with the score at 3-2 Griffiths flagged for offside, Ferenc Puskas shot which beat West Germany goalkeeper Toni Turek. In 1958 he refereed Yugoslavia v France and Brazil v France in semi-final. He set a unique hat tick, first Welshman to referee an international at Wembley, to referee a Cup final and the only Welshman to appear in a World Cup Final. Next four lots also relate to Mervyn "Sandy" Griffiths