The Referees’ Match: When football officials took to the field
During the 1950s, in the city of Siena, Italy, a group of football referees decided to test their skills on the field by forming two teams and playing a match. However, when one team scored a goal against the other, a dispute arose as to whether it was a legitimate goal or a foul. All 22 players, who were well-versed in the rules of the game, began interpreting the situation based on their own experiences as referees. The disagreement became so intense that the police had to intervene and disperse the players.
A good combination between a Red card and a wedding…
Hansi Muller, a well-known German football player, was always a fair player on the field and never caused any problems. However, on one occasion, he got into an argument with the referee, who rightly gave him a red card and punished him by making him miss several matches. It later emerged that the player had intentionally committed the foul, as his club management had denied his request for leave to attend his own wedding.
The dried plum that scored against Barcelona
During a match in 1973, a defender from Sparta Rotterdam thwarted Barcelona’s attack by kicking the ball high into the air. However, the ball burst as a result of the defender’s strong kick. Surprisingly, the ball was caught by the wind at its highest point and fell into Barcelona’s goal as a dried plum. Despite protests from the players, the referee ordered a replacement ball but allowed the goal to stand.
In the name of justice…
During a local championship match in Southern England in 1998, Southampton player Arms-Richard Cord started arguing with 42-year-old referee Melvin Sylvester, constantly pushing him with his shoulder. After yet another push, the referee’s nerves gave way and he knocked the annoying footballer to the ground with a series of technical punches. When he calmed down, the referee showed a red card and… left the field.
