Question Number: 31649

Mechanics 7/21/2017

RE: Rec Adult

Russell of Sydney, Australia asks...

This question is a follow up to question 31644

Having now viewed the Valencia tackle on a larger and better screen, I can certainly see why the red is issued, although the long delay in issuing the card is confusing.

In Ref MCHUGH's feedback he mentions the 'Finger tips feeling' lesson learnt from Ref DAWSON, and I cannot help but think of the conflicting thought process that a ref must consider.

On one hand is the integrity of treating each 'event' in a match in isolation.

On the other hand, is the wisdom of the 'Finger Tips Feelings' whereby as described we should consider the '...taking into account all that is going on...'.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
The long delay was due to the referee asking Manchester United technical staff to substitute Valencia rather than an immediate red card. United refused the *offer* and the referee then sent him off. It was an offer made by the referee in the context of a friendly game and one that I have used myself in the past where a player on a caution persists with his USB conduct and I have told the coach to take the player off before I send him off for a second caution. It affords another player the opportunity to play in a friendly plus sanctions can apply of a suspension on a red card even after a friendly game.
In the context of taking into account all that is going on I would say that a referee should certainly treat each event on its own merits particularly by not compensating for earlier errors yet has to be mindful of the mood of the game along with match control. There was certainly retribution here by Valencia and the referee probably was aware that the incident had its origins in the previous foul on Mata and other aggressive play by the Salt Lake City player. We have all encountered situations where match control seems to be getting away from us and we end up cautioning players for *soft* fouls just because it happens to be the *next* foul in a series. Might be somewhat harsh on the player yet so be it.