Freedom of the Borough for Howard

Borough councillors yesterday agreed that the ref deserved the freedom of his home town, for his contribution to sport and services to charity.

Council leader Roger Stone described Howard (39) as a fantastic ambassador for both Rotherham and football.

He said: “Howard Webb certainly deserves this honour because he really put Rotherham on the map with the World Cup Final between Spain and Holland.

“The match was the culmination of a long distinguished refereeing career that began here in the local Rotherham leagues in 1989.

“However, Howard has also made a massive  contribution to local sport as well as doing a huge amount of work for charity.”

Howard will become the 11th Freeman of Rotherham together with the ship’s company of HMS Rotherham and The Yorkshire Regiment, who have also been conferred with the honour.