Question Number: 27450

Law 5 - The Referee 5/19/2013

RE: Competive Adult

Andrew of Sydney, New South Wales Australia asks...

After the final whistle players from both sides began shaking hands and walking off the field. However while some players were still on the field of play, a player from team A took offence to what an opponent said and they began threatening each other with violence before being restrained by their team mates. The referee was off the field near the touch line. Can the referee take any action against the players still on the field if the referee has left the field of play at the conclusion of a game?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Andrew
The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions from the moment
he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle.
Now the referee should not leave the field of play while both teams are still there.
Now in this case if the referee sees behaviour that is misconduct then he can take action such as a caution or a dismissal.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Yes and the Referee should remain on the field to prevent just this type behavior. In your case a caution would seem appropriate at the least