Leeds football fan steps in after referee goes off injured

Match referee Simon Barrow went down with an ankle injury in the ninth minute and the game was delayed until the referee limped off, an assistant took over in the middle and the fourth official took over on the line.

In the 24th minute when it became clear that the injured referee could not carry out the Fourth Official duties Josh, from Yeadon, took over, initially wearing his jeans.

He said: “At first I was in my jeans but at half-time I changed into something more appropriate, a tracksuit. I switched into match official mode and it wasn’t Guiseley anymore, it was just whites v yellows.”

Considered a rising star within the West Riding County FA referees set-up, Josh had travelled down to Torquay on Friday for the National League clash, which Guiseley ended up winning 2-1.

They had stayed overnight in a hotel and he was looking forward to supporting his team at Plainmoor.

Josh said: “It was not how I had planned my day but it was a great learning experience for me. A job needed doing and I did it.”