Soccer Referee Doesn't Quite Get Obvious Lesson in Sportsmanship

Two opposing players, an untied shoe and an oblivious referee recently featured in what was really a rather wonderful show of sportsmanship. 

The Los Angeles Times' Kevin Baxter spotted the above video that clearly shows one player tying another's shoe and the goalkeeper taking a great deal of heat because of it. 

We then see one of the worst free kicks ever taken, but it all makes sense when Baxter fills in the blanks. 

With the score tied 2-2 during the second half of last Thursday's game between Al Nahdha and Al Ittihad, Al Nahdha 'keeper Taisir Al Antaif found that his shoelaces were untied. 

Now, normally this isn't all that big of an issue, unless you are a toddler who hasn't yet mastered the task—or an athlete whose position mandates Mickey Mouse-type gloves. 

Unable to remove his gloves, the 'keeper motioned to his teammates for assistance. Instead, Brazilian striker Jobson came over to help his opponent out. 

Baxter writes: 

"

Al Antaif then reached out and shook Jobson's hand before taking the goal-kick, a pause in play that earned a penalty from referee Abdulaziz Al Funaitel. The official ruled the keeper was guilty of a delay-in-game foul and gave Al Ittihad a free kick from the edge of the 18-yard box.

"

We will let you shake your head in frustration for just a bit before we continue. 

The task of attempting a gift of a free kick went to Leandro Bonfirm, who proceeded to intentionally shank the ball wide of the goal. 

Despite his best efforts and his completely oblivious manner of officiating, Al Funaitel couldn't quite make the Al Ittihad side stoop to his level.

The game ended in a draw, 4-4, but each team scored a bigger win for sportsmanship. Consider our faith in humanity restored. 

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