ARSENAL SUPPORTERS CLUB EXPANDS

Last updated : 24 May 2006 By Editor

From the Sun:

Fans are crying “Foul!” after two top refs were seen cheering Arsenal in the Champions League.

We can blow the whistle on Andy D'Urso and Barry Knight after they were pictured with Gunners fans in the stands at last week's final against Barcelona.

The pair have both refereed Arsenal games in the past — but footie chiefs insist their actions have not compromised their impartiality.

Last night Arsenal fan Stuart Armsby, 19, said: "We were amazed to see them there among the ordinary Arsenal fans. We can't wait for one of them to referee one of our games next season.

"If I were a Man Utd or Chelsea fan, I'd be horrified. They are not supposed to take sides. Supporters could accuse them of favouritism in the Premiership."

D'Urso, 42, of Billericay, Essex, and Knight, 46, of Orpington, Kent, are both on the elite Premiership “select group” of refs on £70,000 a year.

Soccer bosses last night revealed they were at the game as a “farewell gift” to D'Urso after he was taken off the elite list for next season.