MBE for World Cup ref Howard

The Rotherham whistler, who took charge of last year’s World Cup final in South Africa was presented with the honour by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace today.

The 39-year-old dad of three, who took charge of last Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash between Manchester United and Chelsea, swapped his matchday kit for a morning suit for the official ceremony in London.

He was joined at the palace by wife Kay and their three children Hollie (12), Jack (10), and Lucy (7).

“I never dreamt when I started refereeing that I would get something like this. It's on behalf of the lads who work with me,” said Howard.