REFEREE Simon Higgins abandoned Edgware Town’s Spartan South Midlands League fixture with Holmer Green – because he was fed up of the stick he was getting from a supporter!
The official blew up after just 12 minutes into last Saturday’s game as he wasn’t prepared to listen to the unhappy fan any longer.
Higgins refused a request from Holmer – who were leading 1-0 at the time thanks to an early goal – to promote an assistant to the middle and allow a qualified backroom member to run the line as things became even more frustrating.
The Edgware supporter is said to have not used foul and abusive language towards the referee, but his “constant moaning” made up the whistle-blower’s mind to call it a day.
Holmer manager Chris Allen said: “It was a shock to us all – we were just totally bemused by the whole situation. It was just your run-of-the-mill game. There were a few early tackles, but nothing you don’t see players make every week. We went a goal up and you heard a couple of groans from their supporters and one bloke in particular was quite loud.
“All of a sudden the referee was speaking to him and then before long he just blew his whistle and went inside, match abandoned. I’ve been in football for 45 years but that will take some beating!”
Allen says Holmer were “concerned” for Higgins’ well-being and won’t make a complaint to the league.
“None of us know if there’s another reason behind this,” the manager said. “The supporter in question was loud, he didn’t actually swear or abuse him personally from what we all heard. He was persistent, but usually you get someone saying something. Most referees never even look at the crowd let alone call a game off because of a fan.”
Both the Berks and Bucks and the Middlesex FAs are investigating the incident.
Fair play to the referee. Supporters and players should shut up. They don’t have the whistle.
Play the game as it should be and the referee won’t need his whistle. Play like idiots. He will