Question Number: 16701

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 9/15/2007

RE: Competive Under 17

Joey of san rafael, ca usa asks...

Can a ref red card you after the game ends? I never received a yellow during the game. I said Thank you for not calling so many fouls.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The referee has authority over the players from the time he enters the field until the time he leaves. So yes, players can be cautioned or "sent off" after the game ends. There is no physical sending of anyone anywhere, of course. You are mentioned in the referee's report. The consequences of the misconduct are the same as if it happened during the game - suspensions and fines, for example.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The referee has the authority to take disciplinary sanctions, as from the moment he enters the field of play until he leaves the field of play after the final whistle. That is what Law 12 says. Realistically he has the ability to write things that happen between players, coaching staffs and him in his match report. If those things involve aberrant behaviour and the league administers discipline because of what happened that is their prerogative. After the referee leaves the field he is not expected to use his cards, only his eyes and his ability to write. Usually he will notify someone in authority on the team, the captain or the manager come to mind. It makes no difference if a player has been cautioned during the match.

Regards,