Arthur Ellis: The English Referee Who Delivered Justice in the 1959 Derby Tiebreaker
We remember Arthur Ellis, an English referee who transcended the pitch to become a media personality. Ellis was not only a referee respected for his good judgment and authority, but also a popular figure on British television and a member of an expert committee in charge of deciding the results of postponed matches.
His name is linked to Atlético de Madrid for his participation in the 1959 European Cup semi-final tiebreaker between Atlético and Real Madrid. In that match, Ellis demonstrated his ability to handle a high-pressure game, earning the respect of players and fans alike.
His refereeing style, characterized by firmness and a sense of humor, allowed him to defuse confrontations and keep the game flowing. Beyond his work on the field, Ellis left his mark as a sports commentator for the BBC and as a referee on the popular television show ‘It’s A Knockout’.
His refereeing career began in 1930 and led him to officiate matches in World Cups, European Championships and the European Cup. Without a doubt, Arthur Ellis was a referee from another era, with a personality that made him an unforgettable figure in football history.
