Question Number: 20830

League Specific 2/10/2009

RE: west lancs amature league Adult

paul bailey of fleetwood, lancs United Kingdom asks...

i was given a strate red and so was the keeper for head butting me, and all i did was push him away after he had head butted me.
we was both sent off and the ref said it was both for violent conduct. could you tell me what lenght of ban i will be looking at,and should i appeal. thanks

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

You must ask the league in which you play for the answer for only they will know for sure. Bottom line; he who purchases the ticket takes the ride. If you weren't mucking about we wouldn't be corresponding.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Paul,
it does suck when you think all you did was try to avoid trouble yet it still followed you home anyway.

Retaliation is unfortunately difficult for most referees to differentiate between acts of protection or those of continued aggression as either act is considered VC (violent conduct).

Within the issues of integrity and fairness the referee can only make a decision on what he witnessed, not necessarily all that lead up to it or the reasoning the combatants had to engage, be it deliberate or forced to avoid the conflict!

The local disciplinary committed will hold a review meeting to discuss and you can offer your input at that time. It becomes a matter of he said/she said! The truth is likely a blend of what everyone says so do not hold your breath expecting to be vindicated, unless of course you have a crystal clear video with sound that shows your innocence 100%.

It is only a guess as to what the match ban could be 1 to 5 matches likely 3, VC is not looked upon in a good light I will say that! I have seen even season ending bans with a head butt that broke a nose!

No one said life was always fair, a good referee does TRY to incorporate fairness into the laws but he does not make the laws.
The incorporate of the send off and caution sections of the law 12 are there for a reason, they provide the framework for decisions on the principle of fair play and the conduct expected!

As my sister used to say, 'Suck it up buttercup, take it like a man!
Yah my sister used to irritate me too! ;o)
Cheers.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

This will depend on your local authorities and they will decide this based on what the referee says in his report. Someone retaliating almost always gets caught. What you thought was a selfprotective push was seen by the referee as a violent action. As difficult as it may be, it is always better to do nothing and let the opponent suffer the consequences of his actions.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

If you have clear video evidence that you think would exonerate you of all responsibility in the situation, sure I would appeal. Short of that I don't think you would win.