December 30 – Gazza Books the Ref

AT THIS time of year we all like to have a bit of a laugh, but today in 1995 Scottish referee Dougie Smith lived up to every referee/Scotsman stereotype in the book, as he gave Paul Gascoigne a yellow card after the Geordie had cheekily flashed the offending card his way when he dropped his notebook and pen.

Gazza had signed for Rangers earlier that year and was proving to be a hit at Ibrox, not least for his provocative celebrations in an early-season Old Firm clash.

When Rangers took on Hibs in their last game of the year they would romp to a 7-0 win, with Gordon Durie bagging four. As soon as Gazza had noticed that referee Smith had dropped his yellow card on the floor he had on one thing on his mind. With a flourish he booked Smith, much to the amusement of the 44,692 fans from both clubs.

Failing to see the funny side, Smith grabbed his card back and booked the Englishman for dissent. When questioned by Hibs midfielder Joe Tortolano Smith replied: “He might be able to take the f**king piss out of you, but he’s not taking the f**king piss out of me”.

Due to bookings from earlier in the season Gazza was given a two-match ban for his antics, despite the pleas of Gers manager Walter Smith to rescind the booking. Shame on you Dougie.

See the offending incident below and check out which on of Gazza’s England team-mates was putting on his best suit today here.