DC
Darren Cann
Athlete
Darren Cann is a former Premier League assistant referee known for officiating at the 2014 World Cup final.
Notable Quotes
"The goalkeeper clearly plays the ball first and there's inevitable contact after that, so it is not serious foul play."View Story →
"It was neither a penalty nor a red card. The goalkeeper clearly played the ball first, and the subsequent contact was an inevitable part of the play."View Story →
"But I have to be honest, for me this should have been referred..."View Story →
""I think Scotland are a little fortunate to be honest.""View Story →
"I can't stress this strongly enough."View Story →
"The suggestion that referees are in on some kind of masterplan to make sure Messi gets to the final is just not true, obviously."View Story →
"Nor do we referee by the name on a player's back."View Story →
Related Stories
I've been a World Cup official - I promise you there is no favouritism
Darren Cann speaks to BBC Sport about the conspiracy theories around the World Cup and what referees really think.
July 19, 2026Has VAR become a lottery at the World Cup?
After a week of strange decisions many supporters have been left scratching their heads with VAR.
June 26, 2026Should Ghana have been awarded a penalty against England?
England fans have been left frustrated by the goalless draw against Ghana, but were Thomas Tuchel's side fortunate not to have given away a penalty?
June 23, 2026'Clear red' for Bosnia or 'wins the ball'? BBC pundits disagree
Should Bosnia-Herzegovina have been reduced to 10 men in the second half in their 1-1 draw with Canada? Wayne Rooney and ex-referee Darren Cann had differing views.
June 12, 2026