It’s been a tough week for referees, and although Andrew Small didn’t make any horrific decisions in the Harlequins vs Northampton Saints Aviva Premiership game, he did receive a smack in the face for getting too close to the action.
In a soaking wet game at the Stoop, Saints claimed a 13-6 victory after a try to James Wilson in the second half, and two penalties and a conversion by Stephen Myler sealed the win.
The conditions were difficult to contend with and at one stage Lee Dickson had a box-kick charged down by Tom Guest, with the ball ricocheting off his hands directly into the face of referee Small.
We’ve seen some great Falcons in recent times, with Wayne Barnes also taking a shot in the face not too long ago, but this was one of the more awkward ones, providing some light relief for the 11498 fans that turned out to brave the miserable conditions.
Refree Small took it well, eventually managing a wry smile despite being initially quite shaken.
Extra: View the Top 5 Falcons of All Time
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