But that’s nothing compared to what happens in Iran. A lower league match between Chooka Talesh and Shahrdari Dezfool last weekend turned into chaos after the referee was set upon by a baying mob of Chooka players and fans.
The reason was because the hapless official produced a second yellow card to a Chooka player. From that moment on all hell broke loose as the player in question ripped the card out the ref’s hand before a coach followed up by starting the frenzied attack.
A small pocket of spectators tried to crowd the man in black and help him off the pitch but more and more fans joined in to get in their cheap shots before he was eventually ferried to safety.
The ref may not be back at the ground any time soon, but should he return don’t be surprised to see him take to the pitch with a whistle, two cards and possibly riot gear.