Question Number: 24435

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 12/21/2010

RE: Select Under 19

John Vitale of Chantilly, VA USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 24388

I'm a Huge fan - Thanks for all that you do - This site really is great for the game!

You all masterfully answered the question and clarified what should and shouldn't be in the Match Report if a Substitute runs onto the pitch and spits on an opponent. One issue remains - After sending off the Substitute for VC, does his team continue to play at full strength? Or do they play a man down? I assume that since he was not a Player, all the Players remain Players, but wanted to be sure.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

If a player is sent off, the team plays down.

If anyone else (a sub or a subbed-out player) is sent off, the team does not play down.

This is why it is important to follow correct substitution mechanics. If something happens during a substitution - say the player leaving the field slugs an opponent as he's leaving - you have to know whether that sent-off person was a player or not.

Thanks for your kind comments. We really enjoy doing this. You should see some of the discussions we get into 'behind the scenes'.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
Yes you are indeed correct. When it is a substitute or substituted player that is dismissed the team does not play short and that is why Referee Voshol is correct to state that the correct substitution process is strictly followed. If say a player spat at an opponent on the way off at a substitution the team would play short as the process is only completed when the player leaves and the substitute steps on to the field of play simultaneously. Where there is a situation where the substitute is already on the field of play, the team will argue that the player is then a substituted player and that they should not play short.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Sending off a substitute will not reduce the number of eligible players on the field of play.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A player has not been sent off so the team continues to play with full 11. But, if playing by FIFA rules with a limited number of substitutions, the team now has one less.
Thank you so much for your kind words. They are very much appreciated by us all and have a Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year!!