Former Ref David Syme has died

[daviesmithsbookie]

He wasn’t the worst Ref and didn’t have an agenda.Condolencies to his family and friends.

 

[Kilpatricknick]

Always struck me as a decent ref with a good bit of integrity. Probably an easier gig in the days of fewer TV cameras and no social media right enough. Remember he reffed that mad 4-4 vs "them" in the mid 80's. Also played a few frames of snooker with him and a colleague called Ed Brolls many years ago in Churchills Langside. Seemed a decent down to earth guy. RIP.

 

[exiled bluenose]

R.I.P. ref

 

[Jimbo 1690]

Another referee hit by a coin thrown by Celtic fans.

1986 League Cup final.

Took a long time to kill him!!!!!

 

[T9 Row]

Went to school with his daughter Alison, thoughts with family and friends.

 

[Henrywatson115]

rest easy .another 1 they hated

 

[bluetonic]

David Syme from Rutherglen, always thought it was strange when in the 80’s & 90’s they would always mention on commentary ( and in matchday programmes) where the referee was from )

 

[academical]

David Syme from Rutherglen, always thought it was strange when in the 80’s & 90’s they would always mention on commentary ( and in matchday programmes) where the referee was from )

Agreed, especially when they were from small towns or villages. One that sticks in my mind is Duncan from Gorebridge. There was another (Les somebody? It'll come to me) from Forth.

These days that’d be like pinning a target on their back.

 

[loyd_grossman]

Agreed, especially when they were from small towns or villages. One that sticks in my mind is Duncan from Gorebridge. There was another (Les somebody? It'll come to me) from Forth.

These days that’d be like pinning a target on their back.

Hugh Dallas from Bonkle was one that sticks in the mind.

R. I. P David Syme. A throwback to the days when referees were respected by players and fans alike. By no means perfect, but didn't have an agenda.

 

[bluetonic]

Agreed, especially when they were from small towns or villages. One that sticks in my mind is Duncan from Gorebridge. There was another (Les somebody? It'll come to me) from Forth.

These days that’d be like pinning a target on their back.

Les Mottram?
Another one was Brian McGinley Balfron, High Dallas from Bonkle always sticks in my mind

 

[bear wi nae hair]

Dexy!?

Same number of letters and also ending in xy!!

 

[Peter_OHanrahahanrahan]

Agreed, especially when they were from small towns or villages. One that sticks in my mind is Duncan from Gorebridge. There was another (Les somebody? It'll come to me) from Forth.

These days that’d be like pinning a target on their back.

Les Mottram maybe? There was another from Balfron whose name escapes me and I don’t think I’ve heard of that place for any other reason ever

EDIT I see bluetonic has stolen my thunder

 

[academical]

Les Mottram it was! FF never fails.

 

[Bouncy]

sad to read this, In an era of Andrew Waddell, Bob Valentine and George Smith it was a bit of a relief when we got Syme as he was fair

 

[muz73]

Could still be a catholic and a Celtic fan to be fair

Just don’t tell the local priest.

 

[Muddy Boots]

Rest easy, your whistle has gone quiet but the memories of you have not

 

[yosser hughes]

Les Mottram it was! FF never fails.

think it was les mottram in charge at firhill on the occasion of the goal that never was given,the ball hit the stanchion i think and rebounded out, a thistle player then proceeded to catch the ball ,the bold les waved play on, no goal ,not even a penalty,all captured on tv into the bargain,, sorry to derail the thread, condolences to big davie ,a fine gentleman indeed

 

[thevietnambear]

Davie Syme was a Season Ticket holder at Ibrox, he used to drink in the Corkerhill Masonic club prior to going up to the game.

 

[andrewmont1]

Another referee hit by a coin thrown by Celtic fans.

1986 League Cup final.

In front of the Celtic dugout IIRC. Wasnt the entire Celtic side booked that day? I was so ill with a sore throat that day which was a lot worse after the match and for the following week. Went to the Busby Hotel after where there was a big rammy in the car park. Lost the sleeve from my blazer in the stramash and I was only helping breaki it up LOL. Spent the rest of the night in my grey slacks and 1 sleeved blazer!

 

[Worthy_Candidate]

He was
Surprised that his boys supported Rangers his grandfather played for Celtic. I always thought Syme leaned towards them.

His son Craig is a bluenose, guaranteed. I worked with him for 3 or 4 years in the late 90’s.

 

[Worthy_Candidate]

Agreed, especially when they were from small towns or villages. One that sticks in my mind is Duncan from Gorebridge. There was another (Les somebody? It'll come to me) from Forth.

These days that’d be like pinning a target on their back.

I remember Hugh Bonkle from Dallas. Whatever happened to him?

 

[mdingwall]

 

[mdingwall]

I remember Hugh Bonkle from Dallas. Whatever happened to him?

He bungled when bounced on the bonce with a big Bob.

 

[Peter_OHanrahahanrahan]

I remember Hugh Bonkle from Dallas. Whatever happened to him?

He shot JR (John Rowbotham)

 

[Geoff Hurst]

think it was les mottram in charge at firhill on the occasion of the goal that never was given,the ball hit the stanchion i think and rebounded out, a thistle player then proceeded to catch the ball ,the bold les waved play on, no goal ,not even a penalty,all captured on tv into the bargain,, sorry to derail the thread, condolences to big davie ,a fine gentleman indeed

Thistle player actually caught the ball and handed it to his goalie who kicked up the park not one of Mr Motrams better days

 

[Porto Loyal]

They stopped publishing the home towns when people started prank/hate telephone calls and mail started. My dad was involved with refereeing for many years, and that wasn't a problem in the 70s and 80s, but into the 90s it started to happen.

 

[JamesMcNaught]

Davie was clapped onto the field at the next Rangers game he reffed after the 1986 League Cup Final. After about 5 minutes, normal service had been resumed and he was getting dog’s abuse, about which Davie seemed entirely unconcerned.