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URLhttps://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7117824/2026/03/14/notts-county-player-sent-off-throwing-boot/
Last Crawled2026-03-16 12:30:28 (1 month ago)
First Indexed2026-03-14 21:24:38 (1 month ago)
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Meta TitleNotts County footballer sent off for throwing away opponent’s boot - The Athletic
Meta DescriptionThe bizarre incident saw Oliver Norburn dismissed for throwing away Armando Dobra's boot during a League Two clash at Meadow Lane
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There are many ways for a footballer to be sent off: violent tackles, cynical professional fouls, dissent to a referee. But Notts County midfielder Oliver Norburn might have staked a claim for a truly unique dismissal in a League Two fixture with Chesterfield today. Already on a booking for an early foul in the lunchtime game at Meadow Lane in Nottingham, Norburn was shown a second yellow card after throwing the boot of an opponent, Armando Dobra, off the pitch. Dobra, who had opened the scoring minutes earlier, had lost his right boot during a tackle from Norburn on the edge of the Notts County box and play was allowed to continue after no foul was given. Sky Sports That presented the opportunity for Norburn to pick up Dobra’s boot. But, instead of handing it back to his opponent as he sat on the turf, the Notts County player inexplicably opted to launch it 30 yards and over the touchline. Dobra protested on the ground as play carried on, but once the ball went dead, there was action taken by referee Matthew Corlett, who opted to dismiss Norburn. That left the hosts down to 10 men after only 19 minutes. “It’s absolute madness, I’ve never seen that before,” said former Premier League referee Mike Dean after viewing the incident on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme. The laws of the game, set out by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), outline a list of cautionable offences and throwing an opponent’s boot is likely to have been interpreted as “unsporting behaviour” given it left Dobra temporarily disadvantaged. Notts County twice equalised before half-time against Chesterfield, before the 10 men conceded again midway through the second half to lose 3-2. Norburn’s intervention may have been unprecedented, but it is not the first time footwear has caused controversy in a football match. During the Netherlands’ match against Romania at Euro 2024, a pair of trainers were spotted in the Romanian penalty area just before Donyell Malen scored the Netherlands’ third goal in a 3-0 win. The shoes — presumably thrown from the crowd — did not directly interfere with play, although Romania goalkeeper Florian Nita was forced to kick one away before Malen shot. Mar 16, 2026 Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms
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Continue F # Notts County footballer sent off for throwing away opponent’s boot ![Oliver Norburn throws away Armando Dobra's boot](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2026/03/14104935/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-14.36.43.png?width=1920&quality=70&format=auto) Oliver Norburn throws away Armando Dobra's boot Sky Sports [![](data:image/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%2740%27%20height=%2740%27/%3e)![Philip Buckingham](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2020/09/18070236/Buckingham_Phil_-_Headshot.jpg?width=96&quality=70&auto=webp) ![Philip Buckingham](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2020/09/18070236/Buckingham_Phil_-_Headshot.jpg?width=96&quality=70&auto=webp)](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/philip-buckingham/) By [Philip Buckingham](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/philip-buckingham/) March 14, 2026 Share full article 15 There are many ways for a footballer to be sent off: violent tackles, cynical professional fouls, dissent to a referee. But Notts County midfielder Oliver Norburn might have staked a claim for a truly unique dismissal in a League Two fixture with Chesterfield today. Already on a booking for an early foul in the lunchtime game at Meadow Lane in Nottingham, Norburn was shown a second yellow card after throwing the boot of an opponent, Armando Dobra, off the pitch. Advertisement Dobra, who had opened the scoring minutes earlier, had lost his right boot during a tackle from Norburn on the edge of the Notts County box and play was allowed to continue after no foul was given. ![](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2026/03/14104927/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-14.36.33.png) Sky Sports That presented the opportunity for Norburn to pick up Dobra’s boot. ![](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2026/03/14104935/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-14.36.43.png) But, instead of handing it back to his opponent as he sat on the turf, the Notts County player inexplicably opted to launch it 30 yards and over the touchline. ![](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2026/03/14104944/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-14.36.52.png) Dobra protested on the ground as play carried on, but once the ball went dead, there *was* action taken by referee Matthew Corlett, who opted to dismiss Norburn. That left the hosts down to 10 men after only 19 minutes. “It’s absolute madness, I’ve never seen that before,” said former Premier League referee Mike Dean after viewing the incident on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme. The laws of the game, set out by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), outline a list of cautionable offences and throwing an opponent’s boot is likely to have been interpreted as “unsporting behaviour” given it left Dobra temporarily disadvantaged. Notts County twice equalised before half-time against Chesterfield, before the 10 men conceded again midway through the second half to lose 3-2. Norburn’s intervention may have been unprecedented, but it is not the first time footwear has caused controversy in a football match. During the Netherlands’ match against Romania at Euro 2024, [a pair of trainers were spotted in the Romanian penalty area](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5610917/2024/07/02/romania-netherlands-euro-2024-result-analysis/) just before Donyell Malen scored the Netherlands’ third goal in a 3-0 win. The shoes — presumably thrown from the crowd — did not directly interfere with play, although Romania goalkeeper Florian Nita was forced to kick one away before Malen shot. [![](data:image/svg+xml,%3csvg%20xmlns=%27http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%27%20version=%271.1%27%20width=%2740%27%20height=%2740%27/%3e)![Philip Buckingham](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2020/09/18070236/Buckingham_Phil_-_Headshot.jpg?width=96&quality=70&auto=webp)](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/philip-buckingham/) By [Philip Buckingham](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/philip-buckingham/) Football Correspondent Tagged To: [League Two](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/efl-league-two/) [Premier League](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/premier-league/) [Soccer](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/football/) Your Next Read [Burnley and the unenjoyable chore that is their life in the Premier League](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7119168/2026/03/15/burnley-premier-league-relegation-parker/) [Premier League Matchweek 30: The numbers to know](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7115390/2026/03/14/premier-league-odds-matchweek-30-betting/) [Fulham fans 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huddle](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7118574/2026/03/14/liam-rosenior-chelsea-tierney-huddle/) [Tottenham working on potential options to replace head coach Tudor](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7116490/2026/03/13/tottenham-igor-tudor-replace-options/) ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNiIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDI0IDI0IiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMjQgMS45NTU1OUwxMC41MjQ3IDIxTDAgMTMuMjczTDEuOTYwMzEgMTAuNTUyTDkuNzY2NDggMTYuMjgzMUwyMS4yODc5IDBMMjQgMS45NTU1OVoiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAwMDAiPjwvcGF0aD4KPC9zdmc+Cg==) ![Connections: Sports Edition 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Mar 16, 2026 ## Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle COMMENTS 15 M Martin W. · Sat The headline is wrong. He was sent off for 2 yellow cards, the second of which was for throwing the boot away. *** T Thomas A. · Sat As a notts fan, us finding unique ways to get in the news is absolutely of zero surprise to me. *** C Cyril B. · Sat That's hilarious. I was smiling the whole way through the article\! Made me feel better, on a gray Saturday morning when I had just murdered an entire busload of monks. Thanks, The Athletic. You were there for me when I needed you. 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Readable Markdown
There are many ways for a footballer to be sent off: violent tackles, cynical professional fouls, dissent to a referee. But Notts County midfielder Oliver Norburn might have staked a claim for a truly unique dismissal in a League Two fixture with Chesterfield today. Already on a booking for an early foul in the lunchtime game at Meadow Lane in Nottingham, Norburn was shown a second yellow card after throwing the boot of an opponent, Armando Dobra, off the pitch. Dobra, who had opened the scoring minutes earlier, had lost his right boot during a tackle from Norburn on the edge of the Notts County box and play was allowed to continue after no foul was given. ![](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2026/03/14104927/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-14.36.33.png) Sky Sports That presented the opportunity for Norburn to pick up Dobra’s boot. ![](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2026/03/14104935/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-14.36.43.png) But, instead of handing it back to his opponent as he sat on the turf, the Notts County player inexplicably opted to launch it 30 yards and over the touchline. ![](https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2026/03/14104944/Screenshot-2026-03-14-at-14.36.52.png) Dobra protested on the ground as play carried on, but once the ball went dead, there *was* action taken by referee Matthew Corlett, who opted to dismiss Norburn. That left the hosts down to 10 men after only 19 minutes. “It’s absolute madness, I’ve never seen that before,” said former Premier League referee Mike Dean after viewing the incident on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday programme. The laws of the game, set out by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), outline a list of cautionable offences and throwing an opponent’s boot is likely to have been interpreted as “unsporting behaviour” given it left Dobra temporarily disadvantaged. Notts County twice equalised before half-time against Chesterfield, before the 10 men conceded again midway through the second half to lose 3-2. Norburn’s intervention may have been unprecedented, but it is not the first time footwear has caused controversy in a football match. During the Netherlands’ match against Romania at Euro 2024, [a pair of trainers were spotted in the Romanian penalty area](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5610917/2024/07/02/romania-netherlands-euro-2024-result-analysis/) just before Donyell Malen scored the Netherlands’ third goal in a 3-0 win. The shoes — presumably thrown from the crowd — did not directly interfere with play, although Romania goalkeeper Florian Nita was forced to kick one away before Malen shot. ![](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNiIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxMCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDI0IDI0IiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPgo8cGF0aCBkPSJNMjQgMS45NTU1OUwxMC41MjQ3IDIxTDAgMTMuMjczTDEuOTYwMzEgMTAuNTUyTDkuNzY2NDggMTYuMjgzMUwyMS4yODc5IDBMMjQgMS45NTU1OVoiIGZpbGw9IiMwMDAwMDAiPjwvcGF0aD4KPC9zdmc+Cg==) ![Connections: Sports Edition Logo](data:image/png;base64,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) ![Connections: Sports Edition Logo](data:image/png;base64,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) Mar 16, 2026 ## Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. 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