Question Number: 23040

Mechanics 3/30/2010

RE: Adult

bill of london, kent england asks...

hi, got a bit of an odd question i was at a football game on saturday and witnessed a ref sending off a player by red carding him but actuall did not show a red card not even sure that he had one in his pocket as no yellow cards were shown either and there were offences for yellows just wondered if this still apllies?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Bill
Yes the dismissal still applies and cautions also apply even if the card is not shown. The cards are only a communication tool and the fact that the card is not shown does not negate the decision.
This is also accepted by the FA in its advice to referees and I quote
'' Although the Law requires a referee to show a yellow card to a player as part of the cautioning procedure, failure to do so does not mean that a caution has not been administered and the player
concerned will be dealt with in accordance with the laid-down disciplinary procedures.''

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

The showing of the appropriate card is now mandatory but this wouldn't be the first referee that forgot his cards. Regardless, even if cards aren't shown, the cautions and send-offs still count and the referee must make a full report