Social media tributes pour in for McLeod
Former learners described him as a kind person who was passionate about working with children.
Social media tributes have continued to pour in for former referee and Crawford Preparatory School principal Ian McLeod.
McLeod (63) passed away on Thursday, 26 October, after a short illness. He was admitted to hospital a day after serving as a match commissioner in a game between Black Leopards and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in Thohoyandou, on Sunday, 15 October.
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He was the first South African to referee in a FIFA World Cup match in 1998 when he officiated in the global showpiece in France. He was nicknamed “Mr Red Card” for his strict style of refereeing.
At the time of his death, McLeod was a senior referees’ manager at the South African Football Association (SAFA) and was involved in the restructuring of referees’ structures at the association.
Sports commentators, fans, colleagues and soccer players took to social networks to share their sadness over his passing.
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Learners, past and present and staff at Crawford described him as a kind person who was passionate about working with children. The school dedicated its participation and victory in the tournament of minds (a problem-solving program for learners) to the memory of McLeod.
A memorial service will be held at the Crawford Preparatory School on Wednesday, 1 November at 16:00.
My condolences to the Macleod family…Ian was a fantastic referee and an awesome example of an special individual …RIP Sir
— Mark Fish (@markfish74) October 27, 2017
Arguably the last Red Card he ever dished out 2 anyone!
Hopefully he'll bring some law & order in Heaven. Hard 2 believe. What a heart.#RIP pic.twitter.com/73eEzakAry— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) October 27, 2017
Sad to hear about the passing of Ian McLeod. Condolences to his family and loved ones. His contribution to football will not be forgotten.
— Kevan Rocky Evans (@RockyAllSports) October 27, 2017
The man you know as Ian McLeod was a literal father figure to the kids at Crawford Prep Pretoria. I’m so like…
— Gina Linetti (@nalmolebale) October 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/RegalGlobal/status/923781184957616128
https://www.facebook.com/crawfordpta/posts/1717291828303443
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