There was an unusual incident when Bologna’s match with Atalanta was interrupted because the assistant referee picked up an injury and had to be replaced.
The Serie A game at the Stadio Dall’Ara was 0-0 after 53 minutes when linesman Luca Mondin called for some medical attention.
He received treatment, including magic spray and some heavy strapping to the left thigh, but within moments of play resuming, realised he would not be in any condition to continue the match.
Mondin therefore had to swap places and roles with the fourth official, Francesco Cosso, which also involved changing their jerseys and more importantly the complex communication equipment that now allows officials to stay in contact with each other and VAR.
Play was halted for circa six minutes until the exchange was completed.
We have already seen a referee replaced by the fourth official due to injury in Serie A this season, but it is very unusual for an assistant referee to pull out.
On February 13, referee Federico Dionisi limped off during Empoli–Cagliari and was replaced by fourth official Valerio Marini.