A REFEREE has received a LIFETIME BAN for celebrating a Dutch team’s title win after handing out FOUR red cards to their opponents.
Official Jan Smit, 61, was in charge of a game between St. George and SV De Valken when a bizarre conclusion took place.
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Smit sent off THREE De Valken players and a member of their coaching staff, while he also added on 15 minutes to the end of the game.
St. George trailed heading into stoppage time, but keeper Dave Laan eventually equalised for the title-chasing side.
This proved to be enough to seal the championship, before Smit was then seen celebrating with the St. George players.
One video which has emerged on social media even showed Smit getting on the podium and lifting up the trophy.
He is also said to have sung songs during the jubilant scenes.
De Valken filed a complaint against the football referee – who was previously suspended in 2021 for “improper behaviour”.
And the Dutch FA, the KNVB, have now handed him a lifetime ban.
A statement from KNVB spokesperson Daan Schippers read: “We have received several complaints after Sunday’s match.
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“This morning we called Mr Smit and told him that he is no longer allowed to referee matches.
“We expect a neutral attitude from a referee and that both teams are treated with respect. That is of course where this attitude belongs.”
But Smit has hit back at the decision by insisting he does not feel he was in the wrong.
Speaking to NH Nieuws, he said: “I wasn’t partying with the players at all. I just sang a song and held up the bowl once. That’s the only thing.
“I find it too sad for words that the KNVB is removing me for that reason. It’s laughable.
“KNVB has not done any research and only watched one video.
“I assume that the whistling is now over, but I will no longer get on my knees like I did two years ago.”
