Antony, 82, plays substitute ref

Antony Warren had to borrow some kit and a whistle for the game

An 82-year-old retired referee stepped in to officiate a soccer match when an injury sidelined the original ref.

Antony Warren, from Llanbedr in Gwynedd, hung up his whistle after 50 years at the age of 80.

Mr Warren had gone with his wife to watch a Gwynedd League clash between Barmouth and Real Llandudno when his skills were unexpectedly called upon.

He was only expecting to take charge of the first half but ended up refereeing the full 90 minutes.

Saturday's match was in danger of being cancelled when the scheduled ref pulled out with an injury at the last minute.

But Mr Warren was asked to be substitute match official and after a quick jog around the pitch, the pensioner borrowed a whistle and kit and ran out to take charge.

Both teams acted like perfect gentlemen, and they just got on with it Antony Warren

He said: "Ever since I stopped refereeing, my wife and I have gone to a match every week as spectators.

"A lot of the club officials still know me, so they approached me and asked if I would stand in because the referee had pulled out.

"I thought about it for a few minutes, and I had a little jog around the pitch to check that I was up to it, and then I agreed.

"I thought I might do 45 minutes but ended up doing the full 90.

"It was quite a hot day but I felt OK at the end, and the next day I was able to do a bit of gardening in the greenhouse."

Mr Warren, who had a reputation for not tolerating foul language on the pitch, added: "Both teams acted like perfect gentlemen, and they just got on with it.

"They were very polite and respectful."