It was during the 1966 World Cup match between England and Argentina that one of England’s leading professional referees, Ken Aston, had an idea that would revolutionise football. Aston, who was watching the game from the stands, was concerned over apparent language barriers between players and officials. His solution was to recommend referees be given red and yellow cards, as way of cautioning and if necessary, sending off a player. Acceptance of the idea was slow, but it was eventually adopted in football and other sports, worldwide.

Mike Lanchin has been hearing the memories of Ken Aston’s son, Peter, and speaking to Ben van Maaren, a Dutch collector of refereeing memorabilia, including some of Aston’s personal papers.