WATCH: Dutch referee banned after controversial decisions ; later seen celebrating with winning team

A referee from the Netherlands' fourth division received a suspension for life shortly after rejoicing the victory with the victorious side. The Dutch football federation (KNVB) has suspended referee Jan Smit from Opmeer in the north of the Netherlands for life due to his acts.

According to local media reports, the 61-year-old officiated St. George's game against SV De Valken on Sunday. Dave Laan, the St. George goalkeeper, scored the game-winning goal during stoppage time. Smit's interventions, combined with the additional 15 minutes of time, appeared to assist. SV De Valken had three of its players sent off during regulation, and they ended with eight on the pitch.

To add to doubts of questionable officiating, Smit celebrated St. George’s success by getting on the podium, singing songs and lifting up the trophy. Subsequently, De Valken filed a complaint with the Dutch authorities who slapped the suspension on the 61-year-old official.

The complaint wrote, "The Valken board does not consider it useful to discuss Sunday's match in detail and the role of the referee during and after the match in public. We just have to judge whether it is normal for a referee to celebrate St. George's deserved the championship in an exuberant manner after the match."

A Dutch referee has been banned for life for celebrating a title win with a team he was officiating on.



During the game he gave the losing side 3 red cards and added on 15 minutes.



After that he sang a song on stage and held up the trophy. 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Xz2EwlMnhL

— Not Match of the Day (@NOT_MOTD) May 17, 2024

How did the Dutch FA react about this instance in the lower divisions?

The Dutch FA responded as KNVB spokesperson Daan Schippers spoke about this as he said, "We have received several complaints after Sunday's match.This morning we called Mr Smit and told him that he is no longer allowed to referee matches. We expect a neutral attitude from a referee and that both teams are treated with respect. That is of course where this attitude belongs, not included."

The referee also wanted to speak on this matter as he said, "I can understand that SV De Valken is disappointed with the course of the match. However, in my opinion, the four red cards given were all one hundred percent justified. Before the match I have already been asked by players from St. George if I wanted to sing a song afterwards. I have done that several times in the past, including at Spartans, VVS, Grasshoppers and also in Amsterdam at ASV Arsenal."