Question Number: 14699

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 1/15/2007

Jon of London, uk asks...

This question is a follow up to question 14096

The poor guy made a mistake [14096] and so did his team - all of whom paid for it with their early exit from the World Cup. He is still recognised as the best official in the UK...whether Jose Mourinho likes it or not!!

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

I presume you're talking of Mr. Poll. Yes, an unfortunate state of affairs when a simple counting mistake can create so much bother. Not that a mistake of that nature can be acceptable, but I felt very sorry for him and his crew.

As for the comments of a coach (?), I saw it reported on other websites and chose not to read them.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Yes, I was watching and screaming at the television. My Austrian friends had no clue what had happened because I was screaming to his assistants "Don't let him restart play" in English. I recognised the face of the player cautioned three times, unfortunately Mr. Poll didn't. He was off his normal booking mechanic, locate, isolate, talk and explain the caution, take name, write name in book, show card, THEN allow a restart.

For some unknown reason ALL referees in WM 2006 showed the card first even though Law 12 clearly states caution and show the yellow card. There's a reason for that order, fewer mistakes...

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I agree with Mr. Fleischer. Follow the correct order and their will be fewer mistakes.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 14706