Question Number: 15831

Law 3 - Number of Players 6/19/2007

RE: Adult

Heidi Kreizinger of Williamstown, KY USA asks...

I was watching the Mexico v. Costa Rica match last weekend. During Mexico's previous match, C. Blanco received a red card. I assumed he was out for the next match, which he was. However, the game went into overtime and there he was, playing in the extra time. Is it because extra time is not considered part of the game he was barred from playing, but considered a "new" match?

Thank you. I'm confused.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Perhaps the tournament committee had a much different view of why the player was sent off. It appeared to me the player was provoked into the action he took by an opponent kissing his ear. It doesn't forgive the violent conduct but it offers some form of mitigation. If the referee and his crew didn't see the kiss then the disciplinary board has the opportunity to intervene, because the referee took no action, based on a fact connected with play!

The sending-off may have been unacceptable to the board. Perhaps they have taken disciplinary action against the "kisser". Could it be the sending off was reduced to unsporting behaviour and the 'kisser" found himself in hot water? I don't know, I just offer some speculation.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Jon [Withheld]

Sometimes there is a two match before the ban kicks in. I don't know in this case, but tends to be the case in the English leagues that there are two league games that the player is eligable to play in and the his ban begins. For appeal sake.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

This must have been a specific league policy. They must not have considered the extra periods part of the match.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Per goldcup.org, Blanco was sent off in the Honduras game. He would have served his suspension in the Panama game. (The game report for that game is incomplete on the website, so I can't confirm if he played or not.) Thus Blanco was free for the MEX-CRC game.