West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is to join a panel of experts at a live event that will examine the role of referees in the modern game.

Big Sam will appear alongside former top referees Keith Hackett and Mark Halsey at a Question Time-style evening at Riley’s Sports Bar in Haymarket, London, W1, on Thursday, February 26.

The event is being hosted by You-Are-The-Ref.com – the website for news and debate about refereeing at all levels of the game.

Sky Sports’ La Liga expert Guillem Balague will also be joining the panel, which will be hosted by broadcaster Alan Biggs.

Football fans can apply for free tickets by emailing info@you-are-the-ref.com (tickets are free on a first come, first served basis).

Biggs said: “We couldn’t wish for a stronger line-up. Sam and Guillem obviously have real clout as authorities on football. It will be a great night and I take comfort from having two top referees in attendance."