Question Number: 25622

Law 5 - The Referee 10/18/2011

RE: Competive High School

Terence W. McGarvey of Kirksville, USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 25595

I read the various referee replies to the situation. Most of you seem to think if the game was over the ref would have 'lost' his authority (except for obvious violence, etc.), though one you believes that while in his right to issue the card, it should have been overlooked. ITOOTR? I believe the ref whistled the match was over right after the goal was scored. I am assuming the entire team rushed the goal scorer to celebrate. I do know the game was over, and there was no more play after the goal. One thing I did not mention is that it was the 2nd yellow card against the player, so...if the yellow card was a mistake, it really did punish the player, so it would seem the ref knew the consequences of his yellow. Kind of mean?? Do you think someone should appeal the yellow?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The referee does not lose his authority at the final whistle - none of us said anything like that.

What we were commenting on is that the caution for removing a shirt is specifically when that is done to celebrate a goal. If the game is over, the players are likely to be celebrating the win. Unless that celebration gets to be excessive and taunting or could cause problems (see Lions vs 49'ers), there is no need for a caution at that point.

Check your league rules regarding protesting a caution, and check what the ref's report says. That might give you guidance as to whether any appeal would be successful.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The issue isn't authority but infringement. The player wasn't celebrating scoring a goal - - he was celebrating winning the match. Similarly, we might (and should) caution the ten substitutes who run onto the middle of the field to celebrate with a goal scorer. But, that is normal behavior at the end of the match.

I know of a high level tournament where a second yellow card was shown for removing the shirt after a golden goal had been scored in the semi-final match. The tournament director allowed the player to participate in the final. The next year, the tournament eliminated golden goal.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Terence
The referee does not lose 'authority' because the game is ended. As it is a 2nd caution and a sending off the referee will have to report the circumstances. It is up to the disciplinary committee to decide what further action if any should be taken against the player. That decision can I assume be appealed.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

No one said the referee 'lost' his authority. Point of fact, he still had complete authority at that point.

What he may have lost was his mind. Giving a second yellow for a player merely celebrating a victory with the game clearly over is ludicrous, assuming there was no taunting, foul language, etc.

I hope the relevant authorities saw fit to overturn the red card.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 25634