Question Number: 13265

Character, Attitude and Control 7/3/2006

RE: Competitive Under 14

Konrad of Guelph, Ontario Canada asks...

Can I have your opinion on the Rooney foul? I tihnk that the ref didnt see it because he was just standing there holding his arm up to the direction of the FK. Then, some Portugal players went to him, Pauleta, and said something and then he got a red card. Rooney did shove on or two opponents but I dont think he would get a red just for that.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Konrad, the referees opinions regarding facts connected with play are final. It was the referee's opinion Rooney was guilty of a sending-off offence, so the referee acted correctly, in Law, when he sent-off Rooney.

It makes no difference what anyone else on the planet thinks, one way or another, because it is not our decision to take -- the decision rests solely on the match official.

Rooney is a magnificent player, but he is an impetuous lad who, at times, has difficulty with his temper. A player like this is not always an asset to his squad.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Konrad,
the issuing of a red card for VC or SFP weighs heavily on a refeere at the WC I can assure you they do not do so on a whim. Rooney was upset at his recent effort on goal and likely thought he was being fouled by the two Portugese players but if no whistle goes then play continues and you CAN NOT retailiate in the manner he did which was to ensure the studs of his boots crushed the gonads of the opposition. There is NO doubt the red card was in fact FOR the stomp! I watched the red card delivery and the referee clearly indicated with his foot to Rooney what and why he was being sent off and Ronney made no objection to it . What has people confused is the the red card was NOT brandished immediately. Showing a card is to indicate to EVERYONE the discipline being metted out. THe quick card can diffuse tension or it can inflame an all ready tense situation. THe referee was looking to isolate Rooney and the intervention of the whiner Ronaldo only complicated the referee's job . If you look to his face it appears the referee talks to all indicating Stop it I have it! Sometimes you want a player to calm himself before the bad news of the card is shown, sometimes you want to put the player in a headlock and escort him out of there lickety split before a brawl occurs. While we can debate the mechanics or proceedure as a fact of play the referee's decision was undisputable and in my opinion correct given the stomp.

As an ENGLAND fan I felt with my fan hat on that Rooney was in fact being fouled prior to this incident and perhaps a quicker whistle there this Rooney stomp would not have occured. Still it did and it was UNACCEPTABLE at any level, at any time, in any match, anywhere! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I agree. We cannot make judgements because we were not on the field refereeing the game. The only opinion that matters is the referees.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I agree with my fellow referees. I too, was pulling for England. Referee decided Rooney was not fouled. End of story. Mr. Roonet decided to stomp his opponents testicles. Red Card, also end of story. Rooney has simply got to watch his famous temper. Don't stomp an opponent's testicles right in front of the referee and expect anything less. Personally, I;d have pulled the card out of my pocket more quickly but the referee had to deal with an injured player plus an ensuing possible brawl. These referees are the best in the world and have shown this throughout the 2006 World Cup. Give them credit for this regardless who you pull for