Question Number: 35788

Law 4 - The Players Equipment 11/2/2024

RE: PREMIER ASSESSOR Adult

ISHIAKU IBRAHIM of Lokoja, Kogi Nigeria asks...

Good day sir.
A player goes to the touch line when The ball was not in play to receive a phone call or to reply a message sent to him on his phone and continues the game after receiving his call or responding to the message. During all this, the ball was not in play and the said player was still inside the field play. WHAT SHOULD BE THE REFEREE DECISION IN SITUATION LIKE THIS. THANK YOU.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Ishiaku
Thanks for the question.

It is an unusual situation and one that most referees will never encounter.

There is a side of me that asks the question of how important was the call and its purpose. If a player used the mobile phone due to a serious matter such as an accident, the well being of a loved one, an emergency I would be tempted to let it slide.

If it was connected with the game players (including substitutes/substituted and sent-off players) are not permitted to wear or use any form of electronic or communication equipment (except where EPTS is allowed).

However on its own with no real important personal reason and a sort of arrogance and disdain or connected with the game it is a caution for showing a lack of respect for the game.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI ISHIAKU,
while at the elite level they have their rationales for not permitting use during matches at the grassroots I totally concur with my Colleague Ref McHugh. In any situation that is not a true match disrupter, what purpose does it serve to go down a rabbit hole that had nothing in it?
The use of a caution show a yellow card for USB if it was done in an insolent screw you type of way has some credibility. In a way, the attitude of the player, the calibre of the match with regards to standings an importance as well as the reality of extenuating circumstances.
Cheers