Bobby Madley was reportedly fired over an inappropriate Snapchat message

Madley left his position as a Premier League referee this summer

Bobby Madley was fired from his position as a Premier League referee after an offensive image was posted to his Snapchat, a report has claimed. It emerged earlier this month that the 32-year-old had abruptly left his position prior to the start of the new football season. The exact reason for his departure was unclear at the time, although a statement cited 'a change in personal circumstances'. According to Neil Ashton in The Sun, Madley allegedly shared a picture of a disabled man on his Snapchat, accompanied by an insensitive remark about the likelihood of him being able to beat the official in a school sports day race. One of his followers is said to have taken a screenshot of the post and sent it on to his bosses, who subsequently fired him on the grounds of discrimination against the disabled. Madley is reportedly under a gagging order as part of his exit package, explaining why he has made no comment on his reasons for departing his role. Since leaving his position, he is thought to have moved to Norway. Madley was held in high regard by the Premier League and was tipped to become one of Europe's leading officials. He was elevated to the FIFA list last year, making him eligible to officiate European and international fixtures. He was trusted with some high-profile matches last season, including Manchester United’s home games against Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea as well as Liverpool vs Arsenal in March. He had also refereed the Community Shield game between Arsenal and Chelsea in August last year too.