This Day in History: 2023-03-02

Nr. 416

REFEREE ORDERS WALK OFF (1966)

Leo Horn was not a referee to trifle with. He was a judo black belt and during World War Two had fought with the Dutch Resistance, so when trouble broke out during the Leeds United versus Valencia Inter Cities Fairs’ Cup match on 2 February, he was the man to sort it out. Fifteen minutes from time Jack Charlton had advanced in support of a Leeds attack when he was kicked and then punched by a Valencia player. The free-for-all that ensued brought police onto the field and Horn finally led the players off to let them cool down, while ordering Charlton and two Spaniards not to retake the field.

Dutch man Leo Horn ruled his matches with an iron fist and his actions here surely prevented a full-scale riot between both sides.