Philip Sharp (referee)

Philip Sharp (born 5 April 1964) is a former English Premier League assistant referee and one of only 10 match officials from the United Kingdom to have officiated in a FIFA World Cup Final.

Sharp first played football for Livingstone School but became a referee via the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme in order to fulfil the Service in the Community component of the course.

[2] In the 2002 FIFA World Cup Sharp was appointed to five games in total, including the Croatia v Italy match and the final between Germany and Brazil.

[4][5] On 18 October 2008, Sharp was hit by an object thrown from the crowd in the game between Aston Villa and Portsmouth.

[6] It resulted in a cut to his face, although he was eventually fit to continue till the end of the game.