Commendation Award for League Referee

Bill Hamilton, 20 November 2011

Spartan South Midlands referee John McGroary from Kensworth is to receive the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire’s Certificate of Commendation. It follows his courageous efforts to save the life of a 17-year-old boy who lay dying from stab wounds behind The 61FC Luton clubhouse in October last year.

The incident led to the abandonment of the club’s home fixture against Risborough Rangers.

John, whose own match had been postponed that day, had turned up to watch the game at the Kingsway Recreation Ground where he had been an inspirational player before taking up the whistle.

Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a fight between two teenagers involved in a drugs deal.  As he ran to the scene, Michael Simwanza took a couple of steps forward before falling face down to the ground.  He had been stabbed in the chest with a kitchen knife.  After looking for a pulse and breathing, together with a ground hopper, John began to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation but unfortunately despite all their efforts, the young man died.

Later, Kierron Brown, who handed himself into the police the following day, was cleared of murder at Luton Crown Court. He claimed he had been acting in self defence.

The commendation certificate cites John’s bravery, professionalism and public-spirited actions.

‘My only regret is that I wished I had saved Michael. I did everything I could but sadly it wasn’t enough. Everyone at 61 FC that day rallied round and tried to help.’

From all your refereeing colleagues John – well done.  It’s good to see your courage being rewarded in this way.