No prosecution over ex-referee Jeff Winter allegations

Mr Winter retired from professional refereeing in 2004

A former Premiership referee who was investigated over alleged anti-Catholic online posts will not be prosecuted.

Officers from Strathclyde Police seized equipment from Jeff Winter's home in Middlesbrough in September.

The probe centred on comments on Mr Winter's website after Celtic beat Rangers 1-0 in December 2011.

Mr Winter's legal team at Glasgow-based Bridge Litigation said proceedings would be going no further following a probe by the Strathclyde force.

"We confirm that comments posted on the website of Jeff Winter have been the subject of a full and thorough investigation by Strathclyde Police," a statement said.

"We have been informed by the procurator fiscal's office that the results of this investigation have now been fully reviewed and considered by them.

'Real stress'

"We are advised that no prosecution of Jeff Winter is currently anticipated in respect of these matters."

Mr Winter said he was "delighted" at the news.

"Strathclyde Police conducted an investigation that included a search of my home in September of this year. Subsequent to this search I have been informed by my solicitor Liam O'Donnell that I am no longer under investigation," he said.

"I am delighted with this news that ends almost 12 months of real stress and concern for myself, my family and associates."

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: "Following a full and thorough investigation into a complaint regarding online offensive comments, officers submitted a subject report to the procurator fiscal on the circumstances, the outcome of which was insufficient evidence to proceed at this time."

Mr Winter retired from professional refereeing after taking charge of the 2004 FA Cup Final between Manchester United and Millwall.