Retired referee, Mark Halsey has jokingly revealed that Manchester City wouldn’t have won the treble had it been he hasn’t helped them years back. He also claimed he should have a statue built in his own image at the Etihad.
Halsey, 62, worked primarily for the Premier League as a referee. Though, he had to climb the ladder, and before reaching the top division, he served as the referee for the 1999 League One Play-Off Final.
Gillingham, a team that is currently in League Two, played against City, and they appeared to be promoted after scoring two goals in stoppage time. At the conclusion of the game, five more minutes were added.
Paul Dickov scored in the 97th minute to force penalties, which the Cityzens won 3-1. Kevin Horlock had previously pulled one back.
According to the Daily Star, Halsey received harsh criticism for his performance. Particularly after he was photographed partying with the victorious fans that evening. His interview on the Under The Cosh podcast opened with a discussion about it.
When reflecting on the game’s conclusion from his point of view, Halsey said: “Nicky Weaver (who saved the decisive penalty for City) does the run.
“While Nicky’s running one way, I’m running down the tunnel with all the Gillingham fans wanting to chase me.
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“It was five minutes, but it should’ve been longer but obviously with all the time wasting that was going on, goal scoring celebrations, cautions, substitutions.
“Just look where they are now, they wouldn’t be where they are now without me would they? And do you know what, there should be a statue up there of me outside the Etihad.”
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