Vardy Steps In to Stop Play, Then Shines on the Pitch as Foxes Secure Comfortable Victory
Leicester City captain Jamie Vardy took on an unexpected role during Saturday’s Premier League clash against Southampton—acting as a makeshift referee after the real one went down injured.
Midway through the first half, referee David Webb was accidentally struck by Leicester’s Jordan Ayew, leaving him crumpled on the turf holding his head. With play continuing around him, Vardy—set to leave the club after 13 legendary years—sprang into action. The veteran striker grabbed Webb’s arm and blew the whistle still strapped to the official’s wrist, forcing a stoppage so medics could intervene.
Webb was eventually substituted by fourth official Sam Barrott, but the lengthy delay led to a whopping 12 minutes of added time. By then, Vardy had already made his mark on the game in more conventional fashion, slotting home his 144th Premier League goal—tying him with Robin van Persie in the all-time scoring charts. Ayew then doubled Leicester’s lead, pouncing on the rebound after his own free-kick deflected off the wall.
The Foxes didn’t let the extended break disrupt their rhythm, with Ayew hammering in a second just before halftime. Southampton improved slightly after the break, but Leicester remained in control. Vardy nearly notched another with a fierce free-kick, while Abdul El Khannouss almost embarrassed Saints keeper Aaron Ramsdale with an audacious lob-turned-cross that rattled the crossbar.
In the end, Leicester comfortably saw out a 2-0 win—a rare bright spot in a tough season for the relegated sides. But the day’s most memorable moment belonged to Vardy, who proved he’s still full of surprises, whether as a goal poacher, playmaker, or even an emergency referee.
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