Dutch team celebrated a league triumph with the referee who officiated the winning game

The Dutch lower leagues have recently witnessed a high-profile scandal not often seen in the top European leagues.

The fourth division game between St George and De Valken on 12 May was of strategic importance, as the home side needed a draw to become champions. It was secured by referee Ian Smith, who sent off four De Valken players and then made up for 15 minutes of game time in which St George equalised and secured the title with a 2-2 draw.

But, all the fun was later. Shortly after the match, St George's players were celebrating their league triumph, and celebrating with them... and Smith himself, who had recently refereed their own match.

De Valken soon appealed to the Dutch football federation, which soon suspended the referee for life. Smith himself sees nothing wrong in this, as he says he has done it many times with other teams. But, somehow to justify himself and appeal, he does not intend to.