Question Number: 32734

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/22/2018

RE: Rec Adult

russell of Syeney, Australia asks...

As it seems like nobody else has asked...

...I'd like to here the panels thoughts on the Red card for Ronaldo.

For me, I think it is possibly one of the softest red's handed out, however, I really like the fact that it was given.

Did he pull clumps go hair out " clearly no.

Did he 'strike' an opponent on the head " clearly yes.

Will this act as an example of what is not allowed at any level of the game " I really hope so.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Russell hmm, If I had been officiating this game, I would have given Valencia a free-kick and likely shown a yellow card and probably to each player. Nice bit of acting for to the hair pat . It was likely an oily comment as to why he fell but as noted even benign acts of aggression are not tolerated as he did needlessly explore his dandruff issue! The red card carries a minimum one-match ban anything more would be harsh. Ronaldo takes a lot of heat & is constantly poked & prodded goaded into responses at least as much of any he causes & while he deserves no more latitude then the next I do not see what occurred as VC?? Going down to 10 men in the Champions League for an incident like that is disappointing. It may well be he was targeted to send a message NO One Is above the LOTG but this makes it seem tawdry to me!. I do not see it being over ruled as that would create huge repercussions but it is not a strong statement given the circumstances. The non use of VAR at this level given the use at the WC and that some leagues now use it regularly is cause for speculation although I think they will use it next cycle next year maybe even for the finals? The AR in behind the goal CONVINCED the CR but I think if the CR HAD seen it no way he goes for the red card it simply has no VC in it. Mind you I wonder if the CR upon seeing it in review would say I wish we did not? It is important to support our officials but this was a softie but also foolish behaviour by Ronaldo no 2 ways about it!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Russell
On the face of it the card seems harsh. However it has been suggested by some that there was more to the incident than observed. In the Pro ranks touching a player above the shoulders is a no no and perhaps UEFA official have been advised of that. Referee Felix Bryce is an experienced official and he did not do this lightly. He even consulted with his AAR on it. The referee would know that he would have to write a detailed report on this and that it would have to match up to any *advice* that is given.
In addition at this level it is not simply a question of whether it hurt or endangered Murillo, but of what image football aims to project across the world.
UEFA, the governing body of the Champions League, probably does not want that type of behaviour seen, deemed acceptable and imitated so I suspect referees have been told to protect the image of the game and happy for punishment to be dished out to deter this and other type of behaviour that has no place in the game. It was a petulant act by Ronaldo somewhat offensive and condescending.
We will watch with interest UEFAs response to the red card. There is an automatic one game ban which cannot be appealed which is somewhat of a travesty in the case of harsh dismissals.