Umpire banned from officiating church cricket match because religious ancestor could make him biased

Claire Carter

A councillor and cricket enthusiast has been told he cannot umpire a church match because of fears he may not be ‘theologically neutral’ as his great-great grandfather was a bishop.

Michael Claughton, who has 18 years’ experience as a cricket umpire, offered to officiate the match between the Church of England XI and Vatican XI, due to take place later this month.

But he said he was left baffled after officials said he could not be considered for the charity because they wanted to ensure it was theologically “neutral” and they feared his ancestry could make him biased against the Catholic team.

Mr Claughton’s great-great grandfather is Thomas Leigh Claughton, who was the Bishop of Rochester and of St Albans in the 19th century. He was also professor of poetry at Oxford University between 1852 and 1857 and died in 1892.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11079990/Umpire-banned-from-officiating-church-cricket-match-because-religious-ancestor-could-make-him-biased.html