D. H. Asson
Encyclopedia
David H. Asson was the match referee at the first FA Cup Final
to be staged at Wembley Stadium
in 1923.
currently reports that the crowd numbered 200,000 http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/History/Postings/2003/11/46575.htm. On meeting the captains before kick-off (which had been delayed until 3.45pm) Asson, reputedly, told both men 'We are only three here' (meaning three officials amongst the entire crowd and that they needed the players to help them) (Association Football (Caxton, 1960), v.2, p. 238).
The game itself was beset with problems on account of the crowd encroaching the field of play. Jack Tresadern
, a West Ham United defender was caught on the wrong side of the crowd in the lead up to the early goal and could not get back onto the field before Bolton's first goal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/in_depth/2000/wembley/943404.stm.
The second goal, in the second half, was also debatable. The shot from Jack Smith
striking either spectators or the woodwork before coming back onto the field. Asson awarded a goal. West Ham also claimed that the ball had been kicked into play before the goal. The West Ham captain George Kay
reputedly asked Asson to abandon the game but the match continued to conclusion http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/in_depth/2000/wembley/943404.stm.
FA Cup Final
The FA Cup Final, commonly referred to in England as just the Cup Final, is the last match in the Football Association Challenge Cup. With an official attendance of 89,826 at the 2007 FA Cup Final, it is the fourth best attended domestic club championship event in the world and the second most...
to be staged at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
in 1923.
1923 FA Cup Final
The 1923 Final was the highest attended match to that time; the Football AssociationThe Football Association
The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England, and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It was formed in 1863, and is the oldest national football association...
currently reports that the crowd numbered 200,000 http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/TheFACup/History/Postings/2003/11/46575.htm. On meeting the captains before kick-off (which had been delayed until 3.45pm) Asson, reputedly, told both men 'We are only three here' (meaning three officials amongst the entire crowd and that they needed the players to help them) (Association Football (Caxton, 1960), v.2, p. 238).
The game itself was beset with problems on account of the crowd encroaching the field of play. Jack Tresadern
Jack Tresadern
John "Jack" Tresadern was an English professional footballer and football manager. He played twice for the England national side.-Playing career:...
, a West Ham United defender was caught on the wrong side of the crowd in the lead up to the early goal and could not get back onto the field before Bolton's first goal http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/in_depth/2000/wembley/943404.stm.
The second goal, in the second half, was also debatable. The shot from Jack Smith
Jack Smith (Scottish footballer)
John Reid "Jack" Smith was a Scottish footballer, who played as a centre forward and helped Bolton Wanderers win the FA Cup in 1923 and 1926.-Football career:...
striking either spectators or the woodwork before coming back onto the field. Asson awarded a goal. West Ham also claimed that the ball had been kicked into play before the goal. The West Ham captain George Kay
George Kay
George Kay was an English football player and manager of Luton Town, Southampton and Liverpool.The highlight of his playing career was when he captained West Ham United in the first FA Cup final to be played at Wembley, the so-called White Horse Final.He was manager of Liverpool for 15 years and...
reputedly asked Asson to abandon the game but the match continued to conclusion http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/in_depth/2000/wembley/943404.stm.