Collina to get honorary degree

The world’s best referee Pierluigi Collina is to receive an honorary degree from a British university.

He will get the honour from the University of Hull next month for his outstanding contribution to football.

The Italian, currently officiating at Euro 2004, has been voted best referee in the game by fellow officials – and is certainly the most distinctive.

Collina, 43, instantly recognisable by his bald head and staring eyes, has become an icon for football fans across the globe.

He will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree from the University of Hull on July 14.