Sporting Witness
Sporting Witness
Battle of Bramall Lane
Up next
May 13, 2023
10 minutes
Available for over a year
On 16 March 2002, Sheffield United vs West Bromwich Albion, at Bramall Lane, became the only match in English football history to be abandoned due to a shortage of players.
After three Sheffield players were sent off, two got injured, meaning they were down to six men.
Rachel Naylor speaks to referee Eddie Wolstenholme, who was forced to call the game off.
(Photo: Referee Eddie Wolstenholme, caught in the middle of a melee between Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion players, at Bramall Lane. Credit: Press Association)