A RECENT episode of Antiques Roadshow saw one of its guests left gobsmacked after a shock valuation.
A former football referee appeared on the BBC series, and spoke to expert Raj Bisram.
Filmed at Wollaton Hall, the episode saw Raj showcase a number of incredible antiques, ond of which was the ref’s signed photo.
He had brought on an iconic moment of football history, a famous framed photograph of ex-professional players Vinnie Jones and Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne.
Raj couldn’t contain his excitement when he saw the black and white snap, telling the guest: “What an iconic photograph you have brought in.”
The guest went on to explain his personal connection to it, saying: “I was the referee at that match, it was on my birthday, funnily enough.
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“It was a first division match between Wimbledon and Newcastle United.”
He then joked to Raj: “I have to admit, I didn’t see that incident,” gesturing to Vinnie’s hand placement in the image, which was on Gazza’s groin.
Raj asked: “I mean if you had seen that incident, obviously you would have booked Vinnie Jones, yeah?”
The referee agreed, saying: “I suppose it would be ungentlemanly conduct.”
The image was taken by famed photographer Monte Fresco, who was known for his funny snaps from sport events.
The owner of the image told Raj: “When I retired from work, my colleagues, unbeknownst to me, got Jones and Gascoigne to sign it for me.”
It was then on to the valuation, and the signatures are what really made it something incredible.
Raj told him: “I guess if you were to put this on the market today I would be estimating this between one and three thousand pounds.
“It could go anywhere because it’s a one-off, this is one of the most famous photographs of footballing history, thank you for bringing it in.”
The guest was floored by the valuation, which he didn’t expect at all, but didn’t state he would be selling it any time soon.
