![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/portsmouth-clash-suspended-before-fan-takes-over-as-fourth-official/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/portsmouth.jpg&description=Breaking WHAT THE REF? Published : 16:35, 19 Aug 2023 Updated : 16:38, 19 Aug 2023 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. 1 Portsmouth's clash with Cheltenham was bizarrely delayed Credit: Rex 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. THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY… The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball .){kind=link}
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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.
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.”