The ‘Drunken’ Referee
Bad back or bad bourbon?
Most people will remember the laughing policeman, his wobbling belly laugh booming out from a 12”, drawing a grin from even the most miserable members of society. Now, thanks to the eastern European country Belarus, we now have an equally memorable character: the drunken referee.
If you think along similar lines to me, then you will probably assume that a little exercise and some stretches are the perfect preparation for refereeing a football match – add perhaps a little slow burning fuel like a banana and in modern parlance, ‘you’re ready to rock.’
Footage that has reached Britain on the Internet suggests, however, that a Belorussian referee had a little more stimulation than a pre-match banana. Staggering about the centre circle, his back arched backwards and his eyes to the Heavens, Sergei Shmolik cut a figure more reminiscent of Basil Fawlty than Pierluigi Collina.
It was after the half time interval during a league match between FC Vitebsk and FC Naftan Novopolotsk, on 5th July when Mr Shmolik emerged onto the pitch with a wobble. Speculation is rife in the media that the official may have indulged in a spot of alcohol during the half time interval and his ignominious exit from the pitch, flanked by an official, seems to support this theory. Despite his difficulties, Mr Shmolik, in good humour, managed a royal wave to the crowd before he disappeared into the tunnel. One hopes that it will not be for the final time.
However, as an Englishman after 1966, I find it difficult to criticise Russian (or Belorussian) referees. The vicious chants of 20,000 supporters are quite enough to drive anyone to the bottle. For his part, Mr Shmolik cited the pain of a bad back as the reason for his mazy retreat. In any case, I hope he will be officiating once again soon
Ha great stuff! Sometimes I think the Premier League refs are drunk but this is incredible!