There were sensational scenes last night as an episode of The Antiques Roadshow had to be abandoned due to a violent outburst by a member of the public during the appraisal of an item in his possession. The much loved BBC TV programme was being filmed at the Sherry Dixon suite located in Chelsea’s football ground at Stamford Bridge and began promisingly when a man – who would not give his name, but believed to be Russian – unwrapped a large, impressive looking piece of silver in front of an astonished Ian Pickford, the Roadshow’s expert on precious metals.

Amidst an atmosphere charged with nervousness and expectation, Mr Pickford began to describe the item.
‘Well, what a magnificent specimen of silverware’, he purred. ‘You’re aware of course that this is a trophy – and not just an ordinary one at that?’
‘Da, of course’ replied the mysterious owner, smugly. ‘It is for the footballs. Actually, the highest prize in club footballs!’
‘It’s certainly an amazing piece’ enthused Ian. ‘Let’s have a look at it more closely.’

As he examined the trophy with his trusty horn handle magnifying glass, Ian gave his expert description.
‘It’s a modern piece based upon an Edwardian original, I reckon,’ he said. ‘And silver plated’.
As the owner nodded with satisfaction, Mr Pickford went on: ‘On the front in bold script, it proudly announces: “The Football Association Challenge Cup”.

It was at this point that the owner’s mood started to turn. ‘What you are sayings Mr. Pinkfoot?’ He said indignantly. ‘This not rubbish! This cup for best footballs team in Europe! This for winning Champion League!’
A little taken aback, Mr Pickford responded, ‘Er, no. I’m quite certain about my identification of the piece – it’s definitely the FA Cup.’
As the owners face darkened with fury, the antique specialist said ‘Well, I suppose we ought to talk about valuation. This is a superb item. Not only intrinsically valuable, but representative of English sporting glory, of course. This not only would be extremely attractive to a collector of silver, but also a great acquisition to someone who collects football related memorabilia. I can see this possibly fetching a sum of up to a hundred thousand pounds!’

The owner exploded with rage. ‘What!’ he roared. ‘One hundred of thousands pounds! I invested six hundred millions pounds for this!’
‘I’m sorry’ replied a shaken Mr Pickford, ‘But I’m afraid what you have here is worth nothing like the gargantuan amount of money that you’ve paid for it.’
‘But I was told I was payings for Champion Leagues - I was promised something much better than this!’
‘I’m terribly sorry’ replied the saddened expert. ‘But I’m afraid you’ve – what we call in the business – “been mugged right off.”’

As security staff led the clearly disturbed owner of the trophy away, he screamed ‘I will be buyings history and glory! I leave this place! What is number of Max Mosley!’