12 March 2024 , 21:18
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Middlesbrough's Championship game against Birmingham City was interrupted for five minutes before the referee and fourth official traded places.
Andy Davies began the game as the man in the middle, but reportedly suffered an injury during the second half. He was still able to take on fourth official duties, according to Sky Sports, with Jeremy Simpson - who began the game in that role - taking over as ref.
Boro led the match 1-0 at the time of the interruption. Hosts Birmingham went into the game just a point above the drop zone and in desperate need of points to pull themselves away from danger.
Riley McGree had scored Boro's goal in the first half. Michael Carrick's side were in search of a victory which would take them closer to the play-off spots, though they still have some catching up to do.
"Believe it or not, referees have hamstrings too!" former EFL striker Calvin Andrew said on The BBC's Squad Goals broadcast. According to the broadcaster's live coverage, Simpson was given some ironic cheers as he headed onto the field in his new role.
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Before the game, Birmingham star Alex Pritchard urged the team's fans to back the strugglers in the first of two successive home games. "We know what job we've got to do, but we need the fans with us because it's not going to be plain sailing," he told club media.
"If we all get our head around the situation we're in, we should be fine, but the only way it happens is if we work as a collective and work as hard as we can to the end of the season. If we can keep giving the supporters something to shout about on the pitch, they’ll play their part."
What did you make of the goings-on at St Andrew's? Let us know in the comments section
Middlesbrough led through Riley McGree when the game was stopped (PA)Ahead of the game, Middlesbrough boss Carrick sent his well-wishes to Birmingham boss Tony Mowbray, who has temporarily stepped away from his role for medical reasons. Number two Mark Venus is in temporary charge of the Blues while the boss recovers.
"It's very unfortunate for Birmingham as a football club to have to go through it and obviously for Tony and his family certainly," said Carrick, who has spoken with former Sunderland manager Mowbray. "I wish him all the very best and hope to see him back in the touchline sometime soon.
“Every game now, I think every team has got something to play for," the boss added, as reported by Teesside Live. "Whether you’re looking up or looking down, every team has got something going at the moment.
"We’re still in that moment really before you get right to the end where it might start to separate a little bit. But right now, everyone has something going on and every game is a challenge. We’ve found that there are no easy games and everyone can beat everybody, so we knew we have to be right at our best to win.”
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