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Jack Cooper, left, took on fourth official duties on Saturday Image: Claire Follit
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"Is anyone here a qualified referee?": How Swindon Town fan Jack Cooper stepped into the breach at the County Ground

Cooper is 18. Last weekend, his main assignment was meant to be a North Wilts Youth League Under-14 Division Three clash between Swindon Supermarine and Lydiard Millicent. Instead, he ended up filling the role of fourth official in the EFL.

24.09.24, 05:47 8 Min Read

by Sam MorsheadEditor

You’re a teenager, used to refereeing 13-year-olds in local Sunday kickabouts. And all of a sudden, you’ve got to keep the peace in the EFL. How would you cope?

For one Swindon Town fan, this unusual scenario became reality at the County Ground on Saturday.

Jack Cooper is 18. Last weekend, his main assignment was meant to be a North Wilts Youth League Under-14 Division Three clash between Swindon Supermarine and Lydiard Millicent Green.

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