A BRITON has been bombarded with messages from angry football fans after being mistaken on Facebook for a World Cup referee who incorrectly disallowed a crucial goal
A Briton has been bombarded on Facebook after being mistaken for a World Cup referee[FACEBOOK & GETTY]The ref did not allow the goal from the Manchester City striker because he thought the player was offside but replays showed the 28-year-old was, in fact, onside.
The decision meant Bosnia & Herzegovina lost 1-0 to the African side and failed to qualify for the next round in Brazil.
The official has since received death threats - which are being investigated by police - and 23,000 people have signed a petition calling on him to quit.
And the Briton who shares his name has posted an appeal on his Facebook page saying he is not the Fifa ref after being flooded with angry messages.
New Zealand ref Peter O'Leary disallowed a crucial goal in the Bosnia and Nigeria match [GETTY]People of Bosnia and Herzegovina, before sending me messages, please read this: I am not the referee from New Zealand
"This is a polite, open message to ALL BOSNIANS, both in BiH and around the world, who have been sending me messages about the Bosnia Herzegovina football team being eliminated by Nigeria in the World Cup.
"I share the same name as the referee for that game. He is from New Zealand, but I am from England.
"I WILL REPEAT THIS AGAIN. I am NOT THE REFEREE who disallowed Edin Dzeko's perfectly legitimate goal."
The actual official caused further anger after a picture emerged of him laughing with supporters following the crucial win for Nigeria.
The Kiwi, who is a school teacher who officiates in the A-League, is said said to be "hurting and upset" over the controversy.
The New Zealand ref was sent death threats online after the match [GETTY]"I have been to this wonderfully hospitable, heart-shaped land a few times, travelled all over and met some truly wonderful people. BiH is truly in my heart and ALWAYS will be.
"The football team's cruel loss to Nigeria has devastated me as much as any Bosnian football fan.
"I have been following Bosnia's football team all the way and I will continue to do so.
"As you can see from my cover picture here on Facebook, I have the picture of the Stari Most in Mostar, a city I have been to on three occasions and one that is close to my heart.
"THAT picture has been on my timeline long before Bosnia-Herzegovina played their first game in the World Cup.
"So I am not a "new" fan of the country. I hope this long explanation clears things up.
"I am still quite happy to make friends with Bosnian people from around the world. It's an easy mistake to make. I actually doubt that the REAL referee with my name even has any time for Facebook, to be honest."
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