Portsmouth clash bizarrely SUSPENDED as ref walks down tunnel with the ball before FAN ‘takes over as linesman’
PORTSMOUTH’S clash with Cheltenham was bizarrely delayed as the officials appealed for any qualified refs in the crowd to make themselves known.
The unusual incident occurred just 12 minutes into the second half, when referee Ben Toner grabbed the ball and disappeared down the tunnel.
Portsmouth’s clash with Cheltenham was bizarrely delayedRex
At the time, Pompey tweeted: “As if this afternoon couldn’t get anymore bizarre…
“The referee has taken the ball and disappeared down the tunnel – we’ll keep you updated.”
Two minutes later, they added: “A message has just gone out over the PA system for a qualified official to make themselves known…
“And a fan from the stands has just emerged to take over duties, so we should be fine!”
Cheltenham’s official Twitter account confirmed that one of the original match officials had picked up an injury.
The officiating team at the match consisted of Ben Toner as referee, Daniel Flynn and Mark Derrien as his assistants and Stephen Brown as the fourth official.
After the injury, all players from both teams followed the officials back down the tunnel.
Around ten minutes after the initial incident, it was confirmed that play would resume in a further five minutes.
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The match eventually got back underway in the 55th minute, with Marlon Pack taking a Portsmouth free-kick.
Pompey and Cheltenham were level at 0-0 when the suspension occurred.
