The Sideline Collapse During Žamberk and Lanškroun B
Footage from a Group B seventh-tier match between Žamberk and Lanškroun B captured assistant referee Jan Saňák moving unsteadily along the touchline. Video showed the official leaning heavily, swaying, and struggling with his balance before his afternoon was cut short. According to the official match record, Saňák left the field in the 22nd minute. The home side, Žamberk, ultimately won the fixture 3–0.
Official Match Sheet Attributes Early Exit to Ankle Injury
The official match report provided a medical explanation for the assistant referee’s sudden departure. The document stated that Saňák had to be substituted from his role as assistant referee due to an injury to his left lower leg around the ankle area. The record noted that the incident occurred without outside interference during the course of the match.
Resignation From Regional Referee Commission
The video footage quickly circulated online, pushing the incident beyond a routine lower-league match. At the time of the game, Saňák served as the chairman of the referee commission for the Pardubice Regional Football Association. Following the online spread of the video, Saňák elected to step down from his leadership position. The regional football association announced that Saňák chose to resign with immediate effect based on his conduct during the Žamberk and Lanškroun B fixture. The executive board accepted the resignation and stated it is actively addressing the situation.
Unresolved Questions Surrounding the Incident
While the regional association confirmed Saňák’s professional wrongdoing in its official statement, the governing body did not specify the exact circumstances of the incident. Whether alcohol contributed to the official’s impaired movement on the pitch remains unanswered by the association’s public filings, leaving the broader implications of the episode under internal review by regional football officials.
