Concetto Lo Bello

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Concetto Lo Bello was probably one of the most famous Italian referees of all time. He has the record of games reffed in Serie A (328) and is the oldest referee to have officiated a UEFA competition at 50 years of age, the UEFA Cup final between Feyenoord and Tottenham.

Born on May 13 1924, in Siracusa in Sicily, he began his Serie A career in 1954 and his international one four years later (Egypt vs West Germany on December 28, 1958). He showed great authority in his decisions which for many were an indication of his protagonism. He was the chosen referee of the only ever Scudetto play-off between Bologna and Inter in 1964.

At international level he was referee for 93 games, of which 34 between nations. He took part in the 1960 Olympic Games, Euros 1964, the 1966 World Cup (including the semi-final West Germany-USSR). He was also referee for the 1966 Intercontinental Cup, two European Cup finals (1968 and 1970), Cup Winners Cup 1967 final, Fairs Cup 1966 final and the above-mentioned UEFA Cup final.

After he retired he became President of the Italian Handball Federation until his death. He was an MP for four legislatures with the DC (Christian Democrats) starting from 1972. His son Rosario also became an international referee.

He died in Siracusa on September 9, 1991.

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