Complaint against Chatteris referee following Millwall and Carlisle United game dropped

A COMPLAINT made to the Football League against Chatteris-based referee Darren Deadman for allegedly encouraging a Millwall striker during a League One match against Carlisle United has been dropped.

Carlisle made the complaint over an alleged incident during a 0-0 draw at Millwall's New Den on August 15.

United player-coach Graham Kavanagh claims that Deadman shouted the words 'Get in Harris!' as Millwall striker Neil Harris closed in on goal.

"I regarded that as being out of order and I confronted the ref. At first he ignored me, then he said he hadn't said anything," Kavanagh said in an interview with a national newspaper.

He added: "Then, 10 minutes later, he changed his story and said the reason he had said it was because he had played an advantage and it had led to a scoring opportunity, which reflected well on him as a referee.

"I told him he is supposed to be a referee, not a fan or a player, and the outcome of a chance shouldn't affect his emotions. I have been involved in the game for 20 years and never experienced anything like it. I was disgusted."

The Football League was set to launch an investigation, but Carlisle have since dropped their complaint.

Deadman said on Wednesday: "I received a phone call from the league yesterday informing me that this complaint has now been dropped and no further action will be taken.

"I am unfortunately not allowed to comment on the incident in more detail."

Deadman, who has been a Football League referee for four seasons, took charge of the Carling Cup tie between Manchester City and Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.