Tom Kirkham

Who is Tom Kirkham?

Thomas "Tom" Kirkham was the referee of the 1902 FA Cup Final.

At the end of the first match in the 1902 Cup Final between Sheffield United and Southampton, United's goalkeeper William Foulke protested to the officials that Southampton's equalizing goal should not have been allowed. Foulke left his dressing room unclothed and pursued Mr. Kirkham, the referee, who took refuge in a broom cupboard. Foulke had to be stopped by a group of F.A. officials from wrenching the cupboard door from its hinges to reach the hapless referee.

Kirkham also refereed the replay, which Sheffield United won 2–1.

He also refereed the international match between Scotland and Ireland on 21 March 1903, followed by the matches between Scotland and Wales on 12 March 1904 and between Scotland and Ireland on 18 March 1905.

He is often confused with Fred Kirkham who refereed the 1906 FA Cup Final.