Question Number: 31966

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/30/2017

RE: Adult

Muhammad Rizwan of Abbottabad, Abbottabad Pakistan asks...

Sir, During the match of Athletic Bilbao v. FC Barcelona on 10/28/17, Umtiti got booked for time wasting. After when referee cautioned Umtiti he just clapped and smile was referee should had it convert into Red card as another yellow?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Muhammad,
insolent attitudes are difficult to bear but as neutral officials we do try not to over react to the babyish antics of adults acting out.

We are aware it is a team sport we are aware it IS a big deal to send players off but we are not responsible for players who have no class, show no integrity, or display no honour and press the issue where we feel obliged to double caution.

A shout out of Good call Ref with a thumbs up and or a clap by circumstances & tone of voice be a praise or a sarcastic insult.

As referees we are uncomfortable with praise on the FOP given we strive to be impartial & insults flow off our back like water off a duck. All good referee develop a thick skin, not letting the griping of normal dissent, disappointment and frustration of players affect our match decisions.

Then there are limits when abnormal cries or actions of outrage and intentional disrespect those players OWN that crap and deserve every bit of flack that comes their way for acting in such a fundamentally flawed manner losing the essence of fair play, forcing us to show red cards because they forget how to play the beautiful game!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Muhammad
On another question I mentioned that this could easily have been a second caution. I also said that it is not a good idea to look to the Pro game for refereeing advice it instruction.
It could also be the case that the referee could have easily been distracted by other events around him such as a Bilbao player complaining. The referee also does not have the benefit of video or review or close up images to make a decision.
Anyway it probably would have been a harsh sending off given the first caution which is another reason it might have been ignored.
It certainly points to why a Sin Bin sanction would be beneficial in the game. It is a step between a caution and a full red card which would help with discipline and match control. A rest here for the player for the last 10 minutes would be an appropriate sanction without the need for red card and a subsequent suspension.