League Two side has THIRD game this season halted due to referee getting injured

Fintan Starkey

By Fintan Starkey


Published: 18/10/2025

- 22:24

The team took to social media following the incident

Bromley FC's League Two encounter at Cambridge United was the third time the team has had a match disrupted this campaign after match official Declan Bourne sustained a knee injury during Saturday's 2-1 defeat.

The referee fell to the ground clutching his knee whilst the home side led 2-1, necessitating medical attention and causing a stoppage of nearly ten minutes.


The extraordinary delay contributed to fifteen minutes of additional time being added to the contest.

This marks the third occasion this season that the Ravens have experienced a match official injury, following similar incidents during their August fixtures at Shrewsbury Town on the second and at their Hayes Lane ground against Barnet the subsequent week.

Declan Bourne

Declan Bourne was injured during the match between Bromley and Cambridge

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The unusual circumstances prompted Bromley to issue an appeal through their social media channels, stating: "For the THIRD time this season, if there is a qualified official in the stadium, please make yourself known."

One of the assistant referees took charge of the match whilst club officials searched for a replacement fourth official amongst the spectators.

Medical personnel eventually carried Bourne from the field as play remained suspended.

The Ravens' social media team later contacted Guinness World Records via X, formerly Twitter, to enquire whether their unfortunate streak constituted an official record.

The lengthy interruption occurred as Cambridge maintained their 2-1 advantage, ultimately disrupting Bromley's attempts to mount a comeback.

Cambridge United's victory was established through early strikes, with Shayne Lavery finding the net after merely two minutes of play.

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The team took to social media with a cheeky message following the injury to Declan Bourne

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Kylian Kouassi doubled the hosts' advantage two minutes before the interval, putting the match beyond the visitors' grasp.

The U's extended their impressive run to four successive home league victories with this result.

Bromley's response came after the interval when Michael Cheek, who earned League Two Player of the Year honours last season, reduced the arrears.

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Despite their efforts following Cheek's goal, Andy Woodman's team could not find an equaliser against the in-form home side.

The defeat leaves Bromley frustrated after another match marred by officiating disruption. Bromley manager Andy Woodman expressed his frustration following the match, telling club media: "When you're chasing two goals it's tough."

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Play was able to continue with after a 15 minute delay

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He acknowledged the referee's welfare whilst highlighting the impact on his team's performance: "Third time this season [that has happened to us], hope he's alright, but that lost a bit of momentum for us again."

The manager emphasised how the stoppage disrupted his side's rhythm after they had scored and were pushing for an equaliser.

The remarkable coincidence of three referee injuries in a single season has become a talking point for the south London club.