Referee Mike Jones received a bloody nose after accidentally being punched in the face by Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Southampton.
The incident came in the closing stages of the match, with both teams looking to pinch the vital three points.
The official was talking to Sissoko as they stood over Southampton goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
When Gazzaniga tried to push Sissoko's leg away, the French international tried to swipe the goalkeeper's hand off him, but instead he inadvertently caught Jones in the face.
The referee clutched his face and fell to the ground in apparent agony, before being helped up.
Sissoko wasn't punished for the accidental violence and Jones was able to continue with a bit of cotton up his nose.
"The ref's got a bloody nose, he's trying to patch himself up for the Christmas party," Newcastle boss Alan Pardew joked.
"He took it in good heart, I have to say. He realised it was a little bit of a flick out at the goalie, who had flicked out at him (Sissoko).
"It was all a bit silly, but unfortunately he ended up with a bloody nose."
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| Referee Mike Jones with his nostril padded to stop it bleeding after getting accidentally punched Photo: Getty Images |
The incident came in the closing stages of the match, with both teams looking to pinch the vital three points.
The official was talking to Sissoko as they stood over Southampton goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
When Gazzaniga tried to push Sissoko's leg away, the French international tried to swipe the goalkeeper's hand off him, but instead he inadvertently caught Jones in the face.
The referee clutched his face and fell to the ground in apparent agony, before being helped up.
Sissoko wasn't punished for the accidental violence and Jones was able to continue with a bit of cotton up his nose.
"The ref's got a bloody nose, he's trying to patch himself up for the Christmas party," Newcastle boss Alan Pardew joked.
"He took it in good heart, I have to say. He realised it was a little bit of a flick out at the goalie, who had flicked out at him (Sissoko).
"It was all a bit silly, but unfortunately he ended up with a bloody nose."
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