Gazza exclusive: Dutch ref confirms Paul Gascoigne as king of the pranksters
Published 00:00 30/11/08 By By Bill Mills
Paul Gascoigne's status as the king of football's pranksters has been confirmed by top Dutch referee Dick Jol.
In his new autobiography Jol recalls the day he was fourth official at Wembley during England's friendly against Japan.
"When the Japanese made a substitution I went to put the number up," said Jol.
"I walked backwards to my chair on the halfway line as fourth officials are not supposed to take their eyes off the game. When I sat down my seat was soaking wet! I turned around and I saw all the England substitutes following the game - except Gascoigne. He looked at me and cracked up laughing. I had to laugh, too."
Jol waited three years to get his revenge. The duo met again at Wembley when Saudi Arabia were the visitors.
"Before the game I had to check the players' boots," he said. "When I got to Gascoigne, without looking up I said, 'Not OK.
You cannot play'.
"Gazza called me an effing so and so. I didn't blink. After I left the dressing room he was still swearing so I opened the door and said, 'You're lucky I'm in a good mood today. You can play'.
"Gazza started laughing. He knew I'd got him back."
