Question Number: 30084

Law 5 - The Referee 2/6/2016

RE: Competitive Adult

Scott Mckenzie of Peterhead , Scotland asks...

How long after the final whistle can a referee show a yellow or red card to a player ?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
Cards are a communication device on the field of play and part of the cautioning and sending off process. The advice is that cards can be shown on the field of play and surrounds after the final whistle. Indeed if a player commits misconduct say in the changing room area the player can and should be reported with cards not shown just advised that he is bring reported.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Scott,
the referee has the right to show cards for misconduct up to when the players have left the FOP within the surrounding area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fT0b6v-GEKY

This is an example of a red card shown AFTER the match was over!
In 2000 the Euro match between France and Portugal was settled on the golden goal in extra time on a PK awarded by the AR. The Portuguese players attacked the AR before and after the goal was scored as it ended the match and you can see the referee displaying the red card as players were trying to snatch it away.

If he was attacked outside in say the parking lot or harassed on the way out of the park he could report the misconduct to league authorities, and possibly local police. A call in to the manager of the teams and league HQ to inform of a special incident report after the match had concluded would be a good idea.
Cheers