Keepers Set. Linesmen Ready. Shi*T, Where’s the Ball?

Some thoughts that go through the mind of a referee as he gets ready to kick off a football match: Are both teams ready? Are my assistants in position? How’s my hair? Why do they always design these referee uniforms that make us look like Las Vegas lounge performers? Does my whistle work? What the hell is that offside rule again? Have I remembered to bring the ball?

The answer to that last question was “no” when referee Paulo Roberto Ferriera blew the whistle in a Brazilian league match between Rio Claro FC and GR Barueri. Inspiring confidence in exactly no one, Ferriera attempted to start the game without a ball. Anyone ready for some mime football? This blunder naturally led to a united chant of “ass” (or something along those lines, Google translation never gives the good stuff) from supporters of both clubs. At least no one threatened to kill him the next time they see him in the city.

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Category: South America