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Britain’s longest-serving football referee has called time on his career - after taking charge of more than 5,000 matches.

Ron McCahill first pulled on the black shirt when he was a ten-year-old schoolboy - and instantly fell in love with officiating.

Highlights of his 53-year career include sending off legend Pele - and alerting Manchester United to wonder-kid Ryan Giggs .

Dedicated Ron, 69, spent seven years as an FA Football League referee and took charge of a total of 5,346 games.

(Image: SWNS)

He refereed in matches across the UK and also in the United States, Norway, Spain, Belgium and France.

Ron gave three-time World Cup winner Pele a red for a high challenge while he was playing for the New York Cosmos in the mid 70s.

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When he handed him his marching orders at Yankees Stadium, Pele asked: “Do you know who I am?”

But the greatest-ever footballer clearly forgave Ron because he sends him a Christmas card every year.

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Ron only dished out around 40 red cards and 100 yellows during his career, which saw him cover 40,000 miles on the pitch.

He refereed a 13-year-old Ryan Giggs while he was playing for the Salford Schools Football Association.

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He was so impressed by the youngster’s “magic” feet he wrote to Man Utd telling them to sign him up.

Ron, from Weedon, Northants, said: “I’ve had a fabulous career in refereeing .

“I’ve done games all over the world and even did an international match - Canada versus Bermuda. I reffed at Old Trafford once too.

“I wish I was 40 years younger. I’ve made a lot of friends with players, but it’s time to give up.

“I love the beautiful game and I’m sure going to miss it.”

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Recalling his run-in with Pele, grandad Ron said: “He knew every trick in the book. If he could get away with it, he would.

“He did a studs-up tackle which made me think the other bloke would never have any kids. It was groin-high and deserved a straight red.

“I called him over and he said: ‘You can’t send me off, do you know who I am?’ I told him, ‘No, but I’m about to find out’.

“He gave me his long, full name rather than his nickname. I just wrote ‘Number 10’ in my book.

“When I showed him the red card he didn’t say anything, he just walked off.

“Later on the league rescinded it and I was fined $10.

“Off the field he’s a real gentleman. I still get a Christmas card off him.”

(Image: SWNS)

Ron described Welsh legend Giggs as “magic” and “mesmeric”.

“After the game I walked over to him and asked who he was,” he said.

“I knew quite a few of the staff at Man United - I’m a fan - and I wrote to them saying go and have a look at this lad.”