Question Number: 21534

Character, Attitude and Control 6/13/2009

RE: rec Adult

ian tyer of montreal, quebec canada asks...

player a commits a foul for an indirect kick.player b didnt like the foul and the 2 of them had a verbal exchange
player a then takes 3 strides back turns his head 90 degrees and spits on the ground,i then issued a straight red card to player a.I based my red card re the verbal exchange which had transpired
Would you define the red card just

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Ian,
as an opinion held by you as the referee of the match it is a fact of play and as such if you felt it was warranted who are we to say no?

WE have no idea what was said or done and whether the spit was the sole reason or part of a series of foul and abusive language or gestures that you considered. Spitting at an opponent is a direct red card but spitting at the ground in disgust could possibly be tolerated or viewed as dissent or USB as well.

You as referee need to be proactive to the spot of the infringement and separating the players with your presence and man management strategies loud whistle, "Hey BACK OFF! I GOT THIS! What part of TWEET (hit the whistle hard) did you not understand???"

Sometimes we can prevent the irritated players from stepping too far over the line, allowing a tolerable tirade to keep him on the pitch. Then sometimes they do what they do because they choose to and we do what we choose to do as a result!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Spitting at an opponent or any other player is a sending off offense. Spitting on the ground is not. While using offensive, abusive, or insulting language IS a sending off offense it is usually not given for things said to another player. It's possible you were a bit harsh. If you issued a straight red for spitting on the ground, I would say you were incorrect