Surely the announcement was a wind up? If it wasn't, what had happened to the fourth official and did they find a qualified fan to replace him?

Also, the linesman doing a runner to fix his boot was rather amusing.

Perhaps the condensation on my specs were getting the better of me but did I see the 4th official in tears on the sidelines?

I know the game was a load of bobbins but it wasn't that bad man!

What was the announcement ?

Something like "If there are any qualified referees present at today’s game who can officiate as the 4th official, please come to the changing rooms and inform a steward."

Class

I did see a bloke sitting on the touchline with his back to the advert boards, his head in his hands, seemingly being consoled by someone. I couldn't see if it was an official, but he can't have just been a fan if he was on the touchline.

that was wilson.....before half time

he might have just found out that the chants from the crowd about his wife were true. Picture messaging opens all kinds of cans of worms these days.