Premier League ref tells funny story of how Matija Sarkic ‘did him like a kipper’ in tribute to tragic Millwall ace, 26

PREMIER LEAGUE referee Bobby Madley has shared a heartwarming tribute for the late Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.

The Championship club announced tragic news yesterday morning that the 26-year-old had died after falling ill in the coastal town of Budva, Montenegro.

GettyIt was announced Matija Sarkic passed away at the age of 26 yesterday[/caption]

Referee Bobby Madley revealed a heartwarming story between the twoGetty

Sarkic had been on international duty with Montenegro, and put in a man of the match performance in his last display with nine saves in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium.

Montenegrin state-owned TV station RTCG report that Sarkic went for a walk with pals, had dinner in a restaurant and returned to his apartment early on Friday evening.

He is believed to have told friends he felt ill after waking up at around 6am morning and they called an ambulance but it was too late.

Tributes poured in from across the football world following the terrible news.

One tribute came from referee Madley, who shared an interaction the pair had as he prepared to take charge of a Montenegro Under 19s game in 2016.

Taking to social media, Madley said: “I met Matija in 2016 when refereeing my first U19 Euros qualifying game between Montenegro and France.

“Matija was the captain which, as a goalkeeper, isn’t always the easiest for a referee. 

“Standing in the tunnel before the game Matija came down and shook hands.

“Given that my grasp of the Montenegrin language wasn’t the best, in a shocking broken English accent I tried to explain to Matija with many hand gestures and ridiculous facial expressions that as a captain and goalkeeper it would be hard to work with him. 

“My question of ‘Is there player in team, speak English, maybe can speak with me if problem today?’ was met with a blank look from Matija.

“I tried again with even worse broken English and the stone look remained on his face. 

“I was defeated. I looked at Matija and said clearly I’m wasting my time and getting nowhere.

“Matija half smiled before replying in a strong Balkan accent: ‘Nine. Speak English him’.

“Delighted and very proud of myself I replied ‘Ah you understand English little. This is good. He speak good English?’

“Matija smiled and replied… ‘Yeah, it’s not bad, it’s my brother Oliver, we’re from Grimsby… I just wanted to see how long you’d carry that nonsense on.’

“He’d done me like a kipper.”

Madley added: “Sincerest condolences to his family and his friends. Rest in peace Matija.”

He has whistled over 90 top flight matches in his career.

Grimsby-born Sarkic was the son of Montenegro ambassador Bojan Sarkic.

Sarkic had only moved to the Den last season, where he helped the club to a midtable finish and penned a long-term contract.

He had also starred for Wolves, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Stoke, Aston Villa and Anderlecht in his career.

Matija Sarkic career

All you need to know about his career:

Clubs:

Aston Villa (2015-2020)

Wigan (Loan 2017/2018)

Stratford Town (Loan 2018/2019)

Havant & Waterlooville (Loan 2019)

Livingston (Loan 2019/2020)

Wolves (2020-2023)

Shrewsbury (Loan 2020/21)

Birmingham (Loan 2021/22)

Stoke (Loan 2023)

Millwall (2023/24)

Honours:

Birmingham City Player of the Season 2022

International:Montenegro (9 caps)