{"id":290401,"date":"2023-09-09T21:04:02","date_gmt":"2023-09-09T21:04:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/?p=290401"},"modified":"2023-09-09T21:04:02","modified_gmt":"2023-09-09T21:04:02","slug":"referee-pokes-player-in-eye-then-sends-him-off-as-fans-slam-official","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/soccer\/referee-pokes-player-in-eye-then-sends-him-off-as-fans-slam-official\/","title":{"rendered":"Referee ‘pokes player in eye’ then sends him off as fans slam official"},"content":{"rendered":"
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    A non-league player was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident \u2013 after seemingly being poked in the eye by the referee.<\/p>\n

    The incident happened during the National League match between AFC Halifax Town and Southend United. After a second half corner came to nothing, referee Paul Marsden signalled for a throw.<\/p>\n

    However, as he did so he appeared to inadvertently poke Halifax\u2019s Luke Summerfield in the eye, who was running past him. The official initially checked on Summerfield and presumably offered his apologies.<\/p>\n

    However, he then incredibly reached into his pocket and pulled out a red card, leaving both sets of players stunned. Halifax were 1-0 down at the time but the 10 men fought back to bag a point thanks to a late equaliser from Adam Senior.<\/p>\n

    READ MORE: 3 things Gareth Southgate got wrong including odd selections as England draw with Ukraine <\/b><\/p>\n

    The bizarre red card was naturally the main talking point after the game, with fans left fuming at the referee as footage of the incident emerged on social media.<\/p>\n

    \u201cQuite possibly the worst decision I\u2019ve ever seen, that\u2019s Marsden\u2019s refereeing career done,\u201d said one.<\/p>\n

    Is this the most bizarre red card of all time? Tell us in the comments section below<\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    Another fumed: \u201cUtter joke of a ref. Should be stood down forever. Terrible decision. What a farce, hope you get that overturned."<\/p>\n

    A third said: \u201cThe worst part is the ref clearly realises what he's done, looks to see if the player is alright and then brandishes the red card. Instinct kicked in initially, then he brandished the card to try cover his mistake. Unbelievable Jeff!\u201d<\/p>\n

    <\/p>\n

    A fourth commented: \u201cConsistently the worst referee at that level. Awful.\u201d Meanwhile, another fan raged: \u201cAbsolutely disgusting and horrible the ref.\u201d One fan quipped: \u201cAnother ref apology incoming.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Surprisingly, the Halifax website made little mention of the incident in its match report, only saying: \u201cTown were reduced to 10 men in a bizarre incident, with referee Paul Marsden sending Luke Summerfield off despite initiating contact the Town midfielder\u2019s face.\u201d<\/p>\n