Question Number: 31968

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/31/2017

Barry Stewart of Chilliwack, BC Canada asks...

This question is a follow up to question 31960

I agree, the red for the defender's handling was harsh.

As a ref, I am a stickler for not barging from behind, as the attacker did here in contacting the defender's shoulder blade. That would have been my first call, though I suspect at this level, such illegal contact is 'part of the game.'

I also noticed the attacker putting his hand under the defender's armpit. The attacker's hand may also have touched the ball, or the attack from the back may have pushed the defender's hand into contact with the ball. Admittedly, it looks like the defender made a meal of the handling.

No way, the CR could have seen the fine details of what really happened (from his position), though it likely 'looked' cynical from his position.

Even if totally guilty, the red is harsh, as there was no clear DOGSO. The defender had the best position on the ball.

Your thoughts?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Barry
As I said in the original answer I felt both were questionable although I can see merit in the referees decisions. Do not commit the offence and the question does not arise. As I say to many players if one asks the referee the question one might not like the answer.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Barry ,
the one thing that I really would think could be a really useful tool in understanding decisions made on the FOP is if the match report review by the assessing group following the match and the discussion by the actual officiating crew in the post game review are made public. If there are mistakes , lapses of judgement, false impressions there will also be many outstanding decisions and handling of situations to also teach. This unreasonable veil of secrecy as to the decision making process is unfounded. A referee with integrity sees what he sees, as long as buffoons like Blatter and his ilk are not in charge. If good referees like Collina and Esse are permitted to train teach and mentor I see an amazing future for referee development. However, if we constantly shy away from unpleasant situations for fear of litigation or reprisal or bow to the money & politics of the sport. The cultural and societal divides treat the base of recreational referees as not as important we still must press on for the fun and safety of those we are responsible for.
Elite referees are expected to perform to very high levels while babysitting prima donna players with so much money influence and attitude its a wonder their heads fit through a door way . Only recently is the pay structure of referee's beginning to have some measure of fairness for the pressure and abuse many suffer.

For all referees pro or recreational, paid or unpaid, large or small, , male or female, young or old. Integrity is the backbone of character, ONLY if it is present. Through our actions on and off the pitch, solid work ethic, strength of conviction, heart of courage, compassion of soul, use of intelligence & experience, the gift of laughter, which all are subservient to the mother of all virtues humility do we understand the phrase Your Match, Your Decision, Your Reputation.