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BBC sports reporter steps in as linesman during Conference South football match

By William Turvill

Referees and linesmen come under intense scrutiny from the media over their decisions in football matches up and down the country each week. (Picture: Shutterstock)

But there was little chance of the BBC being overly critical in its coverage of Hemel Hempstead’s match against Bath City this weekend – because its own reporter had to deputise for the linesman.

Matt Mesiano, a freelance, was reporting on the Conference South game for BBC Three Counties Radio when the assistant referee injured his calf after nine minutes.

With no adequate replacement in sight, Mesiano, a level-seven referee, stepped in.

He said: "There was a decent crowd, so I was a bit nervous, but I don't think it went too badly.”

Hat tip: Thomas Collinge

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