Football at its finest – fan replaces referee mid-match

The start of the new EFL League Two season didn’t quite go according to plan, with a bizarre turn of events unfolding during Bromley's 0-0 stalemate with Shrewsbury Town.

At Croud Meadow, the match was brought to a halt in the 26th minute when assistant referee Scott Chaulkley picked up an injury and couldn’t carry on. What followed was a scene more fitting for a comedy sketch than a football match.

With no alternate officials on standby, the fourth official had to abandon his touchline duties and take over as linesman—leaving a critical vacancy for someone to manage substitutions and technical areas. That’s when the stadium’s PA system came to life with an unusual announcement: a call for any qualified referees in the crowd.

As players returned to the dressing rooms amid growing uncertainty, Bromley’s media team captured the moment with a tongue-in-cheek post: “The PA announcer is now asking for a qualified referee. Football is back, ladies and gentlemen.”

They followed up with: “Right, there is nothing to report. We are still waiting for a qualified official. In the meantime, how's everyone doing this afternoon? Good?"

Seventeen minutes of limbo ended with an unlikely hero. Alan Cork, a Shrewsbury supporter and certified Level 5 referee, answered the call and stepped up to serve as the new fourth official. The home club shared their gratitude online with a cheerful post: “Shout-out to our new fourth official for the afternoon! Thanks for saving the day, Alan.”

A chaotic start, an emergency recruitment from the stands, and a reminder that sometimes, even the officials need a bit of backup.