Crossword Genius

Deny judge silent non-starter (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

refute

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'deny' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'judge silent non-starter' is the wordplay.
'judge' becomes 'ref' (referee).
'silent non starter' becomes 'ute' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'ref'+'ute'='REFUTE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for refute that I've seen before include "Rebut; deny" , "Prove something to be wrong" , "Prove to be incorrect" , "Prove wrong; deny" , "Prove that statement or accusation is wrong" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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