Wolves fan replaces fourth official in extra-time against Brentford

Unique life experience experienced Wolves fanwho took over as fourth official for 30 minutes in the rematch with Bradford for the FA Cup.

The reason for season-holder Ross Bennett who started watching his team from the stands with his 11-year-old son for the first 90 minutes, before … stepping on grass. The fourth referee could not continue, there was no substitute in “Molino”, so they turned to the public to find a replacement. “I just thought, what are the chances of that ever happening?said the fan-referee after the end of the match.

Bennett referees U12 games but needed a crash course from first official Andrew Mandley on how to use the substitution table. He conducted himself professionally throughout extra-time even when faced with complaints and questions from the Brentford coaching staff.

The real difficulty, however, was not celebrating Kunia’s goal with a penalty kick that gave his team the victory. “I was disappointed that I couldn’t celebrate our goalBennett said with a laugh. “I had to remain neutral. I was screaming inside thinking we’re going to the Hawthorns to play West Brom in less than two weeks. I’m the only Wolves fan here not celebratingsaid the lucky fan who was later invited to the referees’ room.

Editor: Makis Theotokatos