Always bring your boots! Norwich fan steps in as fourth official and saves the day

Surely that’s worthy of a free season ticket and a meet and greet with Delia Smith…..

By / Football News / 6 years ago

Norwich City played out a 1-1 draw yesterday at home to Preston North End. It was your usual day out at Carrow Road. The Canaries went one nil up courtesy of James Maddison and then conceded an equaliser in the 70th minute.

But it wasn’t until the 88th that the game suddenly exploded into life. One of the linesman pulled up with a very suspect looking injury, meaning the fourth official had to then take his place. But there was only problem. There were no other EFL officials at the stadium to act as a backup to him, which subsequently led to a lot of confusion.

Ref, Tim Robinson (no not the bloke from neighbours – that’s Jim Robinson) spoke to the players and the game looked on the verge of abandonment.

Until, up steps Norwich superfan David ‘Spud’ Thornhill. Spud, who just happened to be a qualified ref, was given a few brief instructions and the fourth official’s black jacket to wear over his jeans and off he went. His first job was putting up 10 minutes of added time, due to all the kerfuffle, to which he got a rousing reception from the crowd.

It was the complete day for Spud. Not only was he catapulted into fame with this, but he also featured in the match day programme. Can’t beat that.

There were also rumours coming from the ground that Delia Smith got on the mic and shouted ‘let’s be havin you! Where are you?’ and then Spud appeared out of nowhere, but it was unfortunately missed by all the cameras.

Anyway, the only other thing that happened in the game was this ever so close worldie by Preston’s Alan Browne – unlucky mate. Good effort.

And just to note Martin O’Neill, Wes Hoolahan played another 90 minutes, no bother to him. Too late now though, isn’t it Martin? Isn’t it??

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