Question Number: 17606

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 10/31/2007

RE: Select Under 17

Charlie Schoenherr of Austin, Texas U.S.A. asks...

Can you give Red Cards after the game is over, regulation play is stopped?

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Charlie,
We do not truly give anything! A red card is shown to indicate a decision the player has acted in a deplorable fashion and is being sent from the field of play. Once regulation play has ended the referee could, if pressed, show a card right up until the players have actually left the field. Generally the misconduct is written up in the same manner as it in a match and the team should be notified ASAP! In reality where is he being sent? Everyone is going home?

It is of greater importance to separate or prevent any safety issue with the misconduct than worry about shoving a card into the face. Perhaps a shown card might prevent retaliation if opposing players are involved.

At the elite level of the game I watched an after match incident in the Euro Championship a few years back where the referee was showing a red card in an effort to protect his AR who had pointed out a deliberate handling offence against Portugal versus France/ Lots of nastiness there and suspensions and fines galore as I recall.

The match report must contain all information of an after or post game event for the disciplinary committee to consider be it handbags on the field after a whistle or a tussle noticed in the parking lot. NO cards are used away from the field. Any misconduct right up until you see the middle finger raised in the car window of the last car can still be written into a match report.
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

I think Ref Dawson meant cards are earned, not given. I agree entirely, and the answer to your question is - it depends. If players think they are safe after the final whistle to go give the referee a piece of their mind or other ugliness, they need to think again. Some players have found themselves hauled into criminal or civil court for assaults and property damages caused by post game shenanigans, or at the very least, sitting out next week's game. This is always stupid behavior. Going after the individual referee almost guarantees the referee will feel the need to be defensive - wrong result. And it is entirely possible the card was earned because the player doesn't know the Laws of the Game well enough to avoid getting a sending off for serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, offensive, insulting or abusive language or gestures, denying goal scoring opportunities or getting a second caution. If you wish to report a referee who you think needs further training or assessment, please contact the assignor - that is a positive step.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

Practically, a referee can send-off a player after the final whistle and show them the red card. He may also dismiss a substitute in the same fashion.

Players should remember to conduct themselves properly even when the game is over, we're all humans and should treat each other respectfully after all.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes you can. The referees duties extend until he leaves the field after the match and start as asoon as he enters the field.