The New Zealand forward’s gesture of goodwill at a World Cup qualifier results in an unexpected booking.
In a bizarre incident during a World Cup qualifier against Fiji on Friday, New Zealand’s Chris Wood was handed a yellow card for signing autographs in the stands after completing a hat-trick in his side’s 7-0 victory.
Wood, who has had an outstanding season with Premier League side Nottingham Forest, was substituted to a standing ovation in Wellington after scoring his third goal. After the substitution, the striker made his way to the stands to interact with fans, signing autographs and posing for photographs.
However, his friendly gesture was met with the disapproval of referee Norbert Hauata, who booked Wood as he returned to the pitch-side, as the match was still ongoing.
“If that’s the rule, then that’s the rule,” Wood remarked, as quoted by France 24. “I was just trying to do something nice and sign for the fans.”
The All Whites now look ahead to their final Oceania qualifying match in Auckland on Monday, where they will face New Caledonia, aiming to secure a spot in the World Cup for the first time since 2010 in South Africa.
