Watching the way that rugby players treat referees, as opposed to football players and their abuse of match officials, one almost wishes Nigel Owens would switch codes and teach these footie hooligans a lesson.

This referee in Brazil took things to the next level though when he brandished a gun on the field in an effort to curb the abuse coming his way. This from the Mirror:

Gabriel Murta was kicked and slapped by players from lower-league Amantes de Bola, while the manager invaded the pitch demanding a red card, it is claimed.

Murta, said to be a policeman by day, reacted by racing to the changing rooms and returning with a firearm…

Referees’ association boss Giuliano Bozzano said the official felt threatened and went to look for the weapon to defend himself.

He was due to undergo a psychological assessment later today and could face suspension or a permanent ban.

The way that footballers carry on regarding their injuries you feel he could have returned with a pea-shooter and they still would have fled. I reckon one warning shot straight up and we would have seen 22 grown men writhing on the floor within seconds.

[source:mirror]