Norwich fan saves the day to ensure match with Preston can be completed
A Norwich fan who was featured in the club’s match programme had to step in to ensure their game with Preston North End could be completed, .
The Carrow Road fixture was thrown into doubt when the linesman suffered a hamstring injury. While he could be replaced by fourth official Andy Davies, referee Tim Robinson hadn’t anyone at hand to deputise for Davies.
With Robinson considering taking the players off the field, it was then that Norwich fan David ‘Spud’ Thornhill stepped in.
Amid the confusion, the local referee made himself known, was asked to take his top off (presumably due to the Norwich colours) and wear only a jacket in the cold conditions.
Chaos at Norwich...
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 25, 2017
A 'local bloke' from the crowd has come to the rescue. #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/nzUsoPXhzt
He was taught how to use the board and his first duty was to signal 10 minutes of stoppage time.
Norwich vs Preston:
— SPORF (@Sporf) November 25, 2017
🚑 Linesman Injured
🔄 4th Official Replaces Him
🤔 No 4th Official Available
👀 Look Into The Crowd
😂 @Spud1902 Made 4th Official
✅ Already In Match Programme
👏 Carries Out 4th Official Duty
Unbelievable Jeff! 😂👏 pic.twitter.com/p8Gyc12bM2
Right. So we've got a local qualified referee about to get changed to operate as the fourth official for the closing stages it seems! #ncfc
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) November 25, 2017
Always bring your boots, eh?
NCFC 1-1 PNE (88)
Local ref who stood in as 4th official at Norwich v Preston game is David 'Spud' Thornhill who also, by chance, appeared in today's match programme as fan feature. #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/445QUfOllh
— Marc Webber (@marcwebber) November 25, 2017
Incredible scenes at Carrow Road. The linesman has pulled up injured so a Norwich fan known as “Spud”, wearing jeans, is the new fourth official!
— Peter Saull (@petesaull) November 25, 2017
Caption competition!
— George Robertson (@Robot_son) November 25, 2017
Norwich fan takes up 4th official role due to injury.. Wonder what Alex Neil saying to him here?! ;) #ncfc #pne #ncfcpne #Norwich #football pic.twitter.com/cvemYPIjNx
It ended 1-1, although Corkman Alan Browne came oh, so close to helping PNE to a spectacular victory.
OH SO CLOSE! @Alan__Browne's acrobatics nearly sends the @pnefc fans wild. #PNEFC
— Channel 5 Sport (@Channel5Sport) November 25, 2017
➡️ @EFL highlights from 9pm on @channel5_tv. pic.twitter.com/poU0h7ACUZ
