Regardless of the sport, we admire all those men and women out there that decide to make a living as a referee.

The job is anything but easy.  Between travelling all the time, getting yelled at by fans, players and coaches, and even having to break up fights, it's easy to see why a referee's job is anything but easy.

This MMA referee can attest to that as he was put in a rear naked choke by a fighter who thought he was his opponent after getting brutally knocked out.

 

It's very rare to see athletes fight officials on purpose, but this was clearly accidental, and it's not the first time we've seen something like this, either.

 

 

I had the honor of being one of the refs for Trench Warz 20 this past weekend. I had one of the best experiences as a ref and martial arts competitor with this fight in particular. These guys were getting after each other right off the bat. With all the adrenaline running an illegal kick was thrown to the down opponent as you see in the footage. Usually fighters cover their heads and pretend to be in antagonizing pain to sway a disqualification win. This fighter was totally opposite of that. He was GAME! He had the Chamorro Islander fighting spirit and had no giving up in him even after getting dazed. I just happened to be in front of him as he got back up! LOL. It was an amazing night of fights! Si Yu'us Maase @ifamiliaku_mass and the fighters for putting on an amazing show! Yamato Damashii in full effect! LONG LIVE THE ISLAND WARRIORS!

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Unfortunately, there have been plenty of occasions where players decided to take a shot or swing at an official, and it happens at all ages.

Yet, referees still do their best each and every game to keep players safe despite the risks, and we thank them for that.

 

 

Is this the greatest penalty announcement of all-time? (Via Twitter/RDSca)

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(H/T: Uproxx)