O brother, who art thou?

FORMER referee Anders Frisk had the room rocking with a memorable anecdote at the launch of the FAI’s Referee Development Plan in Dublin yesterday.

Recalling an international at which he officiated at Lansdowne Road, Frisk noted that, during the game, the then Irish manager Jack Charlton had become “upset for some reason.” Frisk’s assistant on the line attempted to pacify the angry gaffer, opting for the personal approach.

“Take it easy,” he counselled, “we have everything under control, please sit down and relax, Bobby.” And Big Jack’s reaction?

“He took it the right way,” said Frisk, “his anger faded away and was replaced by a smile.”