Cup Final assistant referee says tumours have ended his career

Dan Robathan, an assistant referee who worked the FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City in May 2025, says non-cancerous tumors in his spine ended his career. After what he initially thought was sciatica, doctors found two tumors compressing nerves, creating risks to movement in his leg. Robathan underwent surgery—removing one tumor and leaving the other in place as “safe”—but he struggled to recover mobility and fitness. He described symptoms later including sexual dysfunction and bladder issues, then persistent fatigue by Christmas 2025, including difficulty lifting his heel, walking, and feeling his calf. Doctors told him his chance to return to the field was under 10%.