THE events of Saturday at Bramall Lane had fans, phone-in hosts and even experts scurrying for the "rule book."

They were unsure as to why Blackburn ref Eddie Wolstenholme had abandoned the game. Of course we all knew that having only six players left on the pitch, the home side could not continue in accordance with Law.

I have no doubt the result will stand. The implications of doing otherwise are obvious. "We're eight nil down lads -- quick run for the exits!" Knowing some of the personnel involved I am almost certain that this was a cynical and outrageous effort to circumvent the Laws of the game and the rules of the competition.

It is I believe the most serious case of bringing the game into disrepute I can remember. Expect therefore a draconian punishment for the club.

I further suspect that a club with a proud tradition may see fit to jettison those found responsible of dragging its name through the mud.

Yet having been absolved of any blame in this debacle, I know Eddie will be analysing his performance in fine detail. He is his own biggest critic and will wonder if he could have done things differently.

I I have, thank goodness, only been in a similar position once. Having sent two players off on an assistant's say-so, I red carded a third for abusing my colleague in a delightful rendition of Scouse dialect. The remaining 15 consisted of me running anywhere other than near the left back and right winger who I was convinced were determined to get dismissed also. Eddie is a top notch referee who will come out of this unscathed. Further down the pyramid however, these are the types of incidents that sort the men from the boys. Some simple pack up faced with such ill-discipline. The resilience of those who carry on is to be applauded.