Referees and linesmen come under intense scrutiny from the media over their decisions in football matches up and down the country each week. (Picture: Shutterstock)
But there was little chance of the BBC being overly critical in its coverage of Hemel Hempstead’s match against Bath City this weekend – because its own reporter had to deputise for the linesman.
Matt Mesiano, a freelance, was reporting on the Conference South game for BBC Three Counties Radio when the assistant referee injured his calf after nine minutes.
With no adequate replacement in sight, Mesiano, a level-seven referee, stepped in.
He said: "There was a decent crowd, so I was a bit nervous, but I don't think it went too badly.”
Hat tip: Thomas Collinge
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