Segar Bastard

Segar Richard Bastard (25 January 1854 – 20 March 1921) was an English amateur association football player and referee born in Chigwell, Essex. He played football on an amateur basis for three clubs as well as playing for England once. He was also an international referee and was held in high regard throughout English football. Bastard also played county cricket for Essex County Cricket Club and Marylebone Cricket Club and was a solicitor by profession.

Football

Bastard grew up in Bow, London, and played for Upton Park F.C. between 1873 and 1887. He also played for Trojans F.C. and Leyton F.C. and occasionally played as a guest player for Corinthians F.C. Like many of his contemporaries, Bastard was a player and a referee—unlike modern referees, who are neutral and have no playing connections. He refereed the 1878 FA Cup Final between Wanderers F.C. and Royal Engineers A.F.C. at The Oval. He also refereed England's first match against Wales at the same venue on 18 January 1879. In his role as a referee, Bastard was well-respected by the fans, players and his fellow referees. After refereeing the 1878 FA Cup final, he was referred to as a "knight of the whistle".