Question Number: 20183

Mechanics 10/7/2008

RE: Competive Adult

Rafael Barrera of atlanta, GA Colombia asks...

The Referee shown the red card to player #12 in the first half of the game, after, when he was resting one of his Assistant told him the player how made the foul was #8. Question: Can the referee change his decision and let the player #12 get back to the second half game and sent off #8?

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

No.

The referee has made a critical error, though misidentification of a culprit is easier than one might think, it is a critical mistake nonetheless.

Player #12 must remain sent-off. Player #8 lucked out and remains in the game.

The referee must report all of these facts in his match report and the league authorities should sort out what happens regarding future punishment. They may also decide to have the match replayed...

The bigger and more important question is WHY did the assistant referee not inform the referee of this fact BEFORE play had restarted. If the AR had taken this simple action, then the whole problem is avoided. I would have to conclude that the AR is at just as much fault as the referee in this case...

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No. Once he allowed play to restart he can't rescind the send off. He has however made a severe error. But...if the AR knew this he should have done WHATEVER he had to to do make sure the referee did not restart play until he got the proper information.
Now, the referee has to write a full report and forward it to the proper authorities and they will sort out what is then to be done

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

No but the referee, can surely go and kick himself in the butt as well as the AR's for NOT reporting this BEFORE any restart occured. This is possibly a protestable incident and the league, if it is acknowledged as you state, may decide to follow through or discipline 12 and not 8.
It sucks as a situation. The AR GETS the attention of the referee before ANY restart, even if he goes into the field to poke the referee with the flag to get his attention, this type of information does NOT, NOT get passed along!
Cheers