EFL match suspended as hosts make desperate plea for qualified referee in crowd

Shrewsbury’s season opener against Bromley was halted in bizarre circumstances, as an appeal was made for qualified referees in the crowd.

The two sides got their League Two campaigns underway at New Meadow, but saw play stopped after just 25 minutes when the linesman had to be changed after an injury.

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This meant that the fourth official had to step in to run the line, but left a gaping hole in his place.

With no more qualified referees on hand to act as the fourth official, a replacement was needed from somewhere.

Incredibly, moments later, Shrewsbury made a PA announcement appealing for a qualified referee in the crowd.

As the Shropshire side frantically tried to find a level 5 qualified official in the 9,800-capacity ground, the players returned to the changing rooms, with it unclear when play might resume.

The incredible sequence of events left many amused, including Bromley’s social media team, who reacted hilariously online.

Taking to X, the fourth-tier side tweeted: “The PA announcer is now asking for a qualified referee.

“Football is back, ladies and gentlemen.”

At one point it looked as though no suitable replacement would be found, as Bromley continued to update fans on the search for an official.

Minutes later, they wrote: “Right, there is nothing to report. We are still waiting for a qualified official.

“In the meantime, how’s everyone doing this afternoon? Good?”

And after a 14-minute break in break in play, the south London club happily informed fans that a fourth official had been found.

While it was not entirely clear if the official in question was indeed a fan, Bromley made sure to pass on their best wishes to the injured linesman.

With 39 minutes on the clock, the club tweeted: “We have a fourth official! We’re back underway.

“Genuinely, though, we wish the injured official all the best and hope he makes a speedy return.”

The lengthy pause in play meant that 17 minutes of additional time had to be added on once the clock reached 45 minutes.

Eventually, Shrewsbury and Bromley were able to play out the half, with neither side able to find the breakthrough.

Bromley manager Andy Woodman joined talkSPORT on Sunday morning and revealed what happened in the bizarre scenes.

“You couldn’t write it.” he told Weekend Sports Breakfast. “First and foremost, the linesman was unwell. I was hoping he was going to be OK. He actually was and then the game got stopped. 

“So I thought the fourth official would just get changed and the game would start. But then we had an announcement on the tannoy, is there a fourth official or a referee in the crowd? Apparently he couldn’t start until we had a fourth official, which was crazy, really.

“It kind of took a bit of a shine off the match because it was a good match until then and then it became a bit dull and a bit of a long day. 

“Then some poor old fella came out of the crowd with his flip flops on as soon as the fourth referee, which was mad. I’m not even sure he had his certificates with him or how they verified him.

“Apparently a Bromley fan put himself forward, but then turned round and said I’m too drunk. I think that he might have done a better job anyway.”

This wasn’t the only clash to be delayed today, with another League Two clash between Newport and Swindon also having to be pushed back an hour before it even kicked off.

Two air ambulances was called and landed on the pitch after a supporter in the stands was taken ill.

Kick-off was postponed until 4pm – an hour later than scheduled.