LEICESTER – In a bizarre and comical moment during Leicester City’s 2-0 victory over Southampton, Jamie Vardy added to his reputation as a Premier League mischief-maker with a cheeky stunt involving an injured referee.
Midway through the first half at the King Power Stadium, debutant Premier League referee David Webb was accidentally knocked to the ground after colliding with Leicester forward Jordan Ayew.
The match official remained down in visible discomfort, prompting medical attention and a lengthy delay. But while players and staff showed concern, Vardy saw an unexpected opportunity for humour.
The veteran striker approached Webb — still clutching his whistle — and, in a moment caught on camera, blew into the device before casually walking away, leaving both teammates and fans chuckling in disbelief.
Webb, a seasoned EFL referee making his Premier League debut, was unable to continue due to the need for a concussion assessment. With more than 10 minutes added to the first half, fourth official Sam Barratt stepped in to see out the remainder of the match.
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Vardy had already found the net earlier in the half, with Ayew scoring soon after to seal the 2-0 win. The result offers little consolation for Leicester’s troubled season, which Vardy himself bluntly described as a “sh*t show” last month. Still, his goal marked a major personal milestone — his 199th for the Foxes.
Now with just three games remaining against Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town, and Bournemouth, the 38-year-old has his sights set on joining club legends Arthur Rowley and Arthur Chandler in Leicester’s 200-goal club.
Vardy, currently third on the all-time list, is expected to leave the club at the end of the season but has dismissed retirement talk, suggesting he still has the drive — and fitness — to compete in the Premier League.
Though linked with a potential move to newly-promoted Wrexham, Vardy remains focused on finishing his Leicester chapter with a bang — and perhaps, one last laugh.
