Question Number: 15270

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 4/24/2007

RE: competitive Adult

Craig Randle of Vancouver, B.C. Canada asks...

Hi guys...just asking this question from a story I heard. A hard tackle results in a yellow card to the tackler but two red cards were presented because of two different players from the opposite team retaliated with punches to the tackling player. At half time the play resumed with 11 players on the red card side. Coaches and parents yelled to the ref about too many players but it wasnt until the 5 minute mark that the ref, during a stoppage in play, came over and said that he had decided to recind the red cards, without telling the opposing team or explaining why. As a referee I am wondering- 1-ball is back in play/cannot reverse decision 2-red cards shown but meant to be for show only....I dont know-what do you think-I thought,once a card is shown-thats it! Thanks/Craig Randle

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Craig,
I am gobsmacked literally, that word
"Gobsmacked" was used in a recent post and it is most appropriate used here. This situation reeks of incompetence and bloody knows what else. There is no way a referee can undo the red cards once play has restarted. If it is a competitive match of any consequence the match is likely replayed if protested and the referee needs a reorientation to some basic fundamentals of the law and fair play. Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The sendings-off were earned and given. Play was restarted. They were irrevocable at that point. If the referee felt he was too harsh he must say so in his match report and the disciplinary committee can adjust the bans based on the referee's amplification of the facts connected with the event[s].

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

One cannot change one's mind after a red card is shown. The referee may write in his report what transpired and his feelings but these players should not have been allowed on the pitch and the team should have played 2 down.

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 15381