THE GAME OF THREE HALVES
On the first day of the 1894-95 season Sunderland were at home to Derby County. The official referee was late, and the game started with a deputy in charge. The two teams played for 45 minutes and then the official referee arrived. What should he do ?
The official referee then decided to give Derby, who were losing 3-0, the option of starting the game again ! They took it, and it became known as “the game of three halves”.
Derby lost the toss twice and were forced to kick against a strong gale for the first two halves. The press had already reported through that Sunderland were leading 3-0 at half time. Fortunately Derby helped them out by doing it all over again.
The game eventually finished 8-0, Sunderland actually winning 11-0 over the three halves.
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Heskey OUT! Downing, Barry, Upson, Johnson too! Stop picking mediocre players for the world stage!