Players certainly have the "luxury" of not saying things that amount to OFFINABUS. I'm a bit surprised that you are going to criticize the ref based on what you "imagine" to have happened.
Im not criticising him..
Far from it.
Players do have the ability to shut up but dont.
What I am saying is that some refs will argue back and whilst they get away with what they could say, players say something and will ultimately get a card.
In this game, the ref seemed to invite confrontation.
He stood dead centre of the area nearly and allowed players to approach. He stuck an arm out, loosely. No ushering away. I was taught in this situation to step off the field. Anyone approach you off the field, caution for leaving without permission.
I watched the game. Ref "lost control" in that moment by not acting sterner where appropriate. He gave the impression of allowing the confrontation. How often do you see refs whistling and using hand signals telling people to go away? Quite often. He done nothing. Bear in mind the one on the field was sent off second, so tensions even higher now.
The two on the sidelines "warming up" have zero excuses either. Approached assistant who couldnt really go anywhere or do much else, but the ref could easily have sorted the other red issue much better.
That is what I am saying.
The players too right are culpable and very much at fault. The ref was absolutely right to send them all off for what I assume is offinabus.
But he could have handled it better.
