One of my favorite regular soccer visits online is to ESPN Soccernet's "Off the Ball" - a collection of unusual happenings around the world in the beautiful game.

There was an entry on the list this week that was just too good to be true.

They told the story of an official at a match in the Czech Republic domestic league. It seems this gentleman had a little too much of a good time at his birthday party, then turned up to officiate a match - I repeat, OFFICIATE A MATCH - three sheets to the wind.

If you're taking the time to read this, please follow this link to the rest of the story.

What isn't jaw-dropping in that story? The quote definitely is. The fact this ref was handing out red cards like martini napkins definitely is. The blood alcohol content - while certainly far from condonable - definitely is.

There are certain things you just cannot make up, and this is one of them.

- Chris Lillstrung