Those who cross the line and attack the referee

• In June, 2007, Denmark bravely battled back from 3-0 down to tie the 2008 European qualifier tie at 3-3, only for Christian Poulsen to punch Sweden's Markus Rosenberg in the stomach inside the box with just 24 seconds remaining in the game.

German referee Herbert Fandel red-carded Poulsen had awarded a penalty in the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, but, before the kick could be taken, a Danish supporter (pictured right) made his way over the low pitch-side fence to attack the referee before being dragged off by players.

Fandel immediately blew the whistle and walked off the pitch, with Uefa later awarding Sweden a 3-0 win and fining the Danes €55,000.

• In one of the strangest consequences to someone being assaulted, an ice hockey referee's life was most likely saved as a result of being knocked out during a game.
  

In February, 2007, in Saskatoon, Canada, a hockey player took exception to Dale Neudorf’s officiating and “cross-checked” him with his stick – breaking his nose and leaving the official unconscious.

However, while undergoing tests at Saskatoon’s Royal University Hospital for his facial injuries, doctors made an unrelated discovery.

“The CAT scan picked up a tumour growing right in the middle of my brain,” said Neudorf (pictured left).

Neudorf’s wife Leanne said she was thankful for the bizarre twist of fate that led to the medical examination.

“Maybe we wouldn’t have known otherwise until it was too late,” she said, stopping short of actually thanking the assailant.

• In August, 2002, Ireland rugby referee David McHugh came face to face with some serious Boer beef when 43-year-old Springbok supporter Pieter van Zyl grabbed him from behind during the Tri-Nations match between South Africa and New Zealand and wrestled him to the ground minutes into the second half of the match.

McHugh had to leave the Durban pitch with a dislocated shoulder, with England’s Chris White taking over as the All Blacks went on to win 30-23.

Despite being charged with intent to do grievous bodily harm and trespassing and later fined €1,000, Van Zyl (right) was far from repentant for his actions.

“The whole of the stadium was mal (mad) with him,” he said of McHugh. “It’s just that I decided to do something about it.”