Maybe she would’ve given red for the push if she thought the foul was worthy of a red too?
Fully agreeMaybe. But IMHO, there is a really bright line that should be firmly established and universally maintained: push a ref and you're done. No ifs, ands, or buts. Bright line. (And it doesn't matter if the ref thinks he or she might have missed the call causing the confrontation.)
And it's not impossible or improbable. In the US, that's basically the NBA rule, and the players know it. Magic Johnson famously got ejected for lightly bumping the ref while protesting. He walked off the court saying he didn't touch him (and probably believed it in the heat of the moment). He watched the video in the locker room, saw that he actually bumped the ref, and agreed he had to be tossed--because the expectation was crystal clear. That's what soccer needs: a crystal clear, no exceptions, absolute standard about contact with the ref (or other official). I don't do games any anything near the level of the game at issue, but any game I do, a player or coach who pushes me (even much more lightly that than) is done. Period. The only question is whether the game is also terminated.
Why isn't their something in Law which specifically rules over contact with the Match Officials?
I'm mindful that this would be way short of violent conduct if it was between any other individuals. This lends me to assert that VC is not really supported in this instance even though we're unanimous that it should be a dismissal
My post was more of a question than a statementDisagree. Violent conduct includes "excessive force." Since the acceptable amount of force against an official is zero, that means that any amount of force against the official is excessive. And I think the game has long recognized this.
My post was more of a question than a statement
Why doesn't the book state your statement? What one person considers obvious, another may not
It's perhaps not mentioned to mask the fact that offences/assaults against MO's happen
Similar. Initially thinking obvious red, but then reconsidering. Was the push an act of aggression or just an attempt to command attention?For me the challenge should have been red.
I'm just not sure there is anywhere near enough force on the push there to say it was VC. Perhaps the laws should be rewritten to say any intentional contact on a referee is a red card, but as it stands it has to be VC, and by definition that means using attempting to use or using excessive force or brutality. I'm just not seeing that here if I am being perfectly honest. I can't help thinking that with this being a televised game the referee would have been in hot water had she sent off for it.