Chris Wooden booked for signing autographs in NZ win

Chris Wooden scored a second straight hat-trick for New Zealand as they edged in the direction of a World Cup place – and was then booked for signing autographs within the stands.

Wooden, 33, hit a hat-trick in his facet’s 7-0 defeat of Fiji in a World Cup qualifier on Friday and was substituted to a standing ovation after his third purpose in Wellington.

The Nottingham Forest striker headed straight to the stands to signal autographs and have his picture taken with followers.

🇳🇿📸 Chris Wooden acquired a yellow card for signing autographs within the crowd after being subbed off following his hattrick in opposition to Fiji

By no means change, Woodsy 🖊️🤣 pic.twitter.com/psRvVmRkQ5

— FernsHub (@FernsHub) March 21, 2025

Nonetheless, Wooden’s act of goodwill incurred the wrath of referee Norbert Hauata who cautioned the striker as he made his manner again to the pitch-side as a result of the sport was nonetheless occurring.

“If that’s the principles, that’s the principles,” Wooden mentioned. ” I used to be simply doing one thing good and attempting to signal for the followers.”

The All Whites will meet New Caledonia within the ultimate of Oceania qualifying in Auckland on Monday as they attempt to e book their first World Cup spot since South Africa 2010.

Wooden has loved an outstanding season within the Premier League and in addition scored a hat-trick in New Zealand’s earlier qualifier final yr, an 8-0 win in opposition to Samoa.

He added: “We all know how good New Caledonia are and we’re going to should be prepared for them.

“We all know they’re going to trigger us issues. We have to give attention to doing restoration properly now and be able to go Monday.”