On this day: September 18

Referee Knocked Out by Thrown Beer Bottle at English Non‑League Match

On 18 September 1999 a football referee was struck and knocked unconscious by a beer bottle thrown from the crowd during a lower‑league English match, prompting police investigations and renewed calls for stricter stewarding and alcohol controls at games.

South Korean military moves into streets amid September 1980 democracy protests

In mid-September 1980, South Korean authorities deployed troops to suppress widespread pro-democracy demonstrations following political turmoil earlier that year; the intervention intensified a national crackdown on dissent and reshaped the country’s transition under military-dominated rule.

Fire at King’s Cross Underground station kills 31

On 18 September 1987 a fire at King’s Cross St. Pancras Underground station in London spread along a wooden escalator and into the ticket hall, killing 31 people and injuring many others; the disaster led to major changes in London Underground safety and station design.