You know those moments where you watch a football game and everyone in the ground knows that the man in the middle has lost control of the game? Well, in the Natonal League we were treated to another one of those moments this weekend as promotion-chasing Wrexham battled away with Halifax in a 1-1 draw.
That was not the biggest talking point of the game however as referee Daniel Middleton stole the show just ten minutes from time. Wrexham midfielder Paul Rutherford had already been booked when he was given a second yellow card for dissent in the 80th minute.
The Wrexham boss, Dean Keates and his coaching team, did not see the referee produce the red card and had a double substitution lined up. Rutherford was subbed off when leaving the field and in his place came on Jack Mackreth, whilst Jonathan Franks replaced Scott Boden.
So at this point, Wrexham have had a man sent off but remain with eleven on the pitch and the referee has no idea. Play continues briefly before Daniel Middleton realises his mistake and stops play. The drama is not over there though as he orders Jonathan Franks to leave the field, despite him not being the man who came on for Rutherford, the man who was initially dismissed!
The coaching team have no clue what is going on and the Wrexham players protest. Eventually, Middleton realises his error and forces Jack Mackreth to leave the field, explaining to the coaching team what has happened.
See the full video below to see this howler of an error! At least he got it right in the end…
