Question Number: 16452

Character, Attitude and Control 8/27/2007

RE: comp Under 18

Mary Zimmer of Ft. Laud., FL US asks...

Is it inappropriate for spectators to celebrate when a ref hands out a red card? I'm not talking about over the top noise-makers or jeering, but applauding and cheering. At a tournament game a player was given a red card after pushing down a player. The player had already received a yellow earlier for an illegal slide tackle. In addition this player had been observed throughout the game doing several other unsportsmanlike acts. The opposition spectators cheered the refs decision. We have since been reprimanded by the state soccer board. I was not aware we should have stayed quiet.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Wow...thats interesting. I do not see a problem with cheering. Are you sure that thats the only reason you were reprimanded. To me...it is no different than scoring a goal and cheering. You are cheering because you are happy that they now have to play with one less player. Now you have a better chance of winning.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The question should really be asked, is it appropriate? Is it something that you really want to do? What would it feel like if one of your team's players was sent off, and the other side cheered? It could even be viewed as a form of dissent: the ref finally got something right, so we'll cheer for it.

I don't think its something that warrants being brought before the state association. It's just something that isn't a gracious and professional thing to do. Is that the image you want for your team?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The singular most dishonourable thing a footballer can do is be sent-off. And you think cheering is called for?

I tend to think silence is more appropriate.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If it has gotten to the point where fans are applauding the sending off of a player, I have to wonder why it took the referee so long to send him - a question I hope he asked himself post game? Nonetheless, the behavior is boorish, especially in youth matches. It serves no real purpose except to inflame an already sad situation.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

I tend to think that cheering for a player being ejected is in poor taste. I sort of think of it as the same thing as people who cheer when a criminal is dragged off to jail or sentenced to death. Sure, you can be happy - but I don't know if cheering is all that appropriate.

You're effectively happy that someone has done something wrong and had to be punished. Clapping in those situations is sort of an "in your face" type move and I personally wouldn't be too thrilled about it in a youth or amateur match. These people are close to you and you're close to them and the actions you take on the sidelines really can hit home with these players.

Of course, if we're talking a pro game, then thats a different story. In that case, you're paying to feel and act however to you want (to a reasonable point) and if you want to cheer the other side dropping to 10 men, I can see that.