History

36. TV pundit Jimmy Hill runs the line

Jimmy Hill at Highbury in 1972

One of Highbury's more light-hearted football moments took place in 1972.

Arsenal were hosting Liverpool on September 16, when linesman Dennis Drewitt pulled a muscle and was unable to continue.

FA rules state that the match could not be completed without a referee and two linesmen, so the game was in danger of being abandoned.

The matchday announcer put a message over the loudspeaker asking if anyone was a qualified referee and would volunteer to run the line. Out of the crowd came none other than TV pundit Jimmy Hill!

Jimmy was a qualified referee and had been at Highbury that day as a spectator. He quickly donned a tracksuit and stepped in for the injured Mr Drewitt.

The match ended in a 0-0 draw, but will forever be remembered for the antics of Jimmy Hill.

Liverpool went on to finish the season as champions with Arsenal three points behind in second place.

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