I had 2 games today- one u14’s and one u15’s (I play u16’s myself) the first one was the ‘worst’. 2 red cards and 3 yellows (including the second yellow card- one was straight red, one was second yellow- both for the same team) The first red card was a denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (in my opinion)- the striker was at an angle on the very edge of the box and then was wiped out- no ball. So I gave a free kick and sent the player off immediately. Some players seemed confused- coaches very angry- some players understood. He was not the last man, but the striker was through on goal. I know this striker too (I was doing this as a club referee, but refereed in the full referee kit etc to avoid being called biased) and I know the striker was about to shoot- he always does form that position- but my point is that he was through on goal on the left hand side of the edge of the box and had a clear shot at goal, other defenders on the edge/ middle of the box. I explained to the defenders why I gave red and some of them said that that was fair enough. A second player sent off for a second yellow card. Everyone accepted that. There was a ‘fight’ with a few minutes to go- I had literally sent their player off then ran over to the halfway line to deal with this commotion. No cards, didn’t see too much expect everyone pushing so got the captains in and had a talk with them. Now- the managers have agreed to put through to the FA that the first red (DOGSO) as a yellow. As a club referee, I don’t have as much influence over this- especially as one of the clubs is one I coach and the coaches were telling me that he didn’t think it was a red. Parents on the side- some agreed red some thought yellow. The manager whose team got red twice said that it was a definite free kick and a yellow. Red card is harsh. The coach who I work with (home team) said that if the striker had gone into the penalty area, it would have been a red if brought down.
Any general comments? Any more information needed? Would be really nice to get this done. I’m still waiting to complete my face to face course- done safeguarding and online stuff though. Thank you!
Any general comments? Any more information needed? Would be really nice to get this done. I’m still waiting to complete my face to face course- done safeguarding and online stuff though. Thank you!