James Mason was a 19th-century footballer and referee. He played for Burslem Port Vale and refereed the 1909 FA Cup final.
Mason joined Burslem Port Vale in November 1892.[1] He made his debut in a 5–2 home defeat to Newton Heath on 24 December 1894, becoming a regular from March 1895.[1] In 1896, he was reported to be performing 'his usual trick act of shooting at the winding gear of the adjacent colliery or at the clock in the Cobridge Church tower'.[1] He lost his first-team place in December 1896 despite this ability.[1] He was suspended by the club in February 1897 for 'offensive conduct' and only made one further appearance in October 1897.[1] Despite this he actually went on to become a referee after being released in 1898.[1]
He refereed the 1909 FA Cup final, as well as four England games.[2]
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