Question Number: 24647

League Specific 3/3/2011

RE: Amatuer Level Adult

Daniel of Melbourne, Australia asks...

A player received a red card for abusive language. While walking off the field he proceeded to strike another player several times. As this occurred on the field, but after the player had already received a red card, is this punishable under a disciplnary committee the same as verbal abuse, or must it be treated seperately?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Daniel
It will be all treated under the one referee's report and the referee only shows one red card in this case.
What will happen though is that instead of perhaps the standard suspension for using offensive, insulting and abusive language and gestures, the player's violent conduct will also be taken into consideration. I would expect a more severe suspension for this dismissal due to the VC element but that is an opinion and it is a matter entirely for the disciplinary body to consider based on the referee's report on the matter.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

Note: the referee will only show one red card per player/substitute. Everything that happens after the first sendoff offense should be contained in the referee's full match report.

So, the disciplinary committee will have all the information and can decide how best to punish the player who has acted so egregiously. I would not expect them to limit the hearing to the first offense.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

We can only kill the player once per game. Once he is sent off anything that follows is reported to the disciplinary committee. They will surely frown severely on the violent behavior that followed.

A lifetime ban should suffice...at least that is my recommendation.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Sounds like the soccer community in Oz would be best served by permanent removal of this nitwit