John Fleming

John was a former referee, who reached Category One status in 1994 and enjoyed a successful career as a match official. He was a FIFA Assistant Referee from 1994 until 1997, during which time he was part of Scotland's team of officials at EURO 96.

John joined the Scottish FA's referee development department in 2009 and became Head of Referee Development in 2011. In a distinguished career, he was a Referee Observer for UEFA and served as a member of the Technical Advisory Panel of the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “John’s sense of humour, his easy positivity, grace and humility, even in the intense media spotlight that his job attracted, are a role model for everyone in a public-facing job. We will miss him hugely.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.”