Best ref in the world proud to receive honorary degree.ITALIAN referee Pierluigi Collina Pierluigi Collina (born 13 February 1960) is an Italian former football referee, who was widely regarded as one of the world's best officials. He is still involved in football as non-paid consultant to the Italian Football Referees Association (AIA), and is a member of the UEFA was yesterday awarded an honorary degree to mark his contribution to football. The man regarded by many as the best referee in the world received a Doctor of Science degree from the University of Hull in a ceremony at Hull City Hall. Speaking before the ceremony, and dressed in red and green robes and a black cap, Collina, 44, said it was a very proud day for him. ``This is a very particular day for me. It's not usual for anyone to receive an honorary degree from a university, particularly for an Italian in England. ``The degree has been awarded for my ability as a referee on the field and I am proud that what I did on the field in the last 27 years has been recognised. ``I hope that what I did in the last years can help the image of other referees. Collina, who retired from international football tournaments after the Euro 2004 championships, showed off a silver whistle engraved en·grave tr.v. en·graved, en·grav·ing, en·graves 1. To carve, cut, or etch into a material: engraved the champion's name on the trophy. 2. with the Hull University crest, which was presented to him. He said: ``This is a very nice gift from the university, but it's a bit different to the whistle I'm used to on the field. '' The Italian said he had only made a short visit to the city of Hull, but he was impressed with what he had seen so far. ``It seems like a nice city. I saw parts of the university campus and the sports centre sports centre (Brit) sport n → centre sportif sports centre sport n → Sportzentrum nt . ``I think sport is an important way to educate people, so the sports department is useful for society. '' Collina, who received loud applause from the Hull University students, was presented with his honorary degree by David Sewell David Graham Sewell (b. 20 October, 1977 in Christchurch) is a New Zealand cricketer. He played one Test match for New Zealand in 1997. He is a current member of the Otago team and he has played for North Otago in the Hawke Cup. , Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology. CAPTION(S): Legendary Italian referee Pierluigi Collina at Hull City Hall yesterday where he got an honorary degree from the local university |
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