Question Number: 32468

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 5/24/2018

RE: Adult

gary of nashua, nh usa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 32466

Thank you responders, the player receiving YC was the only one instigating (the other was being protected). That is why im surprised he followed up directly with the AL. The team was concerned with the point deductions in standing ie (2 points for double yellow or direct red) as opposed to 3 points for YC-straight red....ty!

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Gary
Disciplinary sanction after the game is of no concern to referees. We simply take action on the field of play as required. If it merits two cautions then so be it or if it is a caution followed by a straight red card then the player and the team deal with the consequences.
If they have a gripe they can appeal the referees decision. It will not get very far if it is a red card for VC, OFFINABUS with the fact clearly outlined in the report etc

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Gary,
As a referee you call them as you see them. A caution yellow for USB, a direct red card for OFFINABUS . The fact those who disagree felt is unjust or a 2nd caution for dissent fits the incident are NOT the referee you were! As a fact of play your opinion is the go to for decisions. They can appeal if they wish as is there right to do so but your work was done as long as you correctly matched the codes with the offences in the match report..

I recall a Men's match and within the first 3 minutes I awarded a DFK and showed a yellow card for a reckless tackle against the home team just past the midline. A minute or so later the opposition has a player come in from behind and just clean out a standing home player along the touchlines. I hammered my whistle and without hesitation pulled the red card and sent him off. The complaints were why not a yellow like the other tackle? The implied impetuous was I must be favoring the home team. Why? Because this tackle was dangerous excessive and in no way was there a chance to win the ball without possibly injuring the opponent. It was from directly behind and through the player. In no way are the two tackles similar. They were what they were and punished according to the LOTG. They were the only 2 cards I had to show in the match. So either they got the message or I was fortunate. Who is to say. As referees we do what we think is right and live with the decisions we make!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Hi Gary,
So as I understand it, the team was not claiming that the card was unjustified, they just didn't like the fact that it would attract a more serious sanction. That just makes their complaints even more unfounded. As the saying goes, 'If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.'