Question Number: 15862

Mechanics 6/22/2007

RE: Select Under 15

EM Pearson of Medina, Tennessee USA asks...

This is a question on mechanics of showing a card.

I was AR in a match where the left wing came in one on one with the keeper, keeper dove for the ball, missed it, and wound up with the winger's ankle by the hand, taking him down. This was in penalty area, winger and ball headed straight toward goal. At the same time as the foul the keeper caught a boot in the face as the offensive player went down.

Now the injured keeper is rolling in agony holding his face. Center Ref blows his whistle, points to the spot, and turns to motion the keeper's coach to come on the pitch to attend to his player. My question is when should the red card for DOGSO be shown? Over the body of the prostrate goalkeeper immediately after pointing to the spot? Or wait until he is treated for his injury, then call him over to tell him he is being sent off with red card shown at end of conversation? What if he is stretchered off?

Thanks as always.

Answer provided by Referee Jon [Withheld]

Well the player has to be treated. If you have blown, awarded kick from the mark and viewed this as DOGSO then he also must be dismissed. Give the lad a chance to be tended to. If he gets seen to and is up, you then dismiss him. If he is being strechered off, then as he is being put on a strecher you dismiss him. Don't cause unnecassary hatred of yourself by chuck up a red card for a player in a lot of pain. We can wait a minute or two to get it out of the pocket. Remeber, a players safety and well being is actually your main concern. Everyone knows he's going, just make sure the lad is treated. HEAD INJURIES ARE SERIOUS AND PLAY SHOULD BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY TO DEAL WITH THEM.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Normally we are not going to show the card to a player on a stretcher even though is he's leaving the match due to the injury. But we must tell him he is sent off and why!

The Laws require a player being sent-off is shown the red card. After he is on the way to his dressing room or wherever the card is displayed so everyone knows he has been sent-off. To replace the keeper a team must now substitute an outfield player or nominate one as the new keeper.

Regards,