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Law 5 of the FIFA Laws of the Game specifically states the following:
• “Decisions of the referee regarding facts connected with play, including whether or not a goal is scored and the result of the match are final. The decisions of the referee, and all match officials, must always be respected.”
Now to me as a former referee, and even to the uninitiated soccer fan or member of the public, that is as clear as you are going to get it. Let me paraphrase again, at the risk of being monotonous, repetitious and boring and in simple English: – THE REFS DECISION IS FINAL.
Got that? Any doubts? Clear as day?
Well to some perhaps, but not to others because I regularly see the decisions of the referee and his assistants not only being questioned, but red and yellow cards actually rescinded. Yes, I mean overturned, thrown out, wiped off a players record.
There were two incidents concerning the same player with two different outcomes in recent weeks. One was a red card, later rescinded, and the second, which, on appeal, was upheld.
I’m talking about Son Heung-min the South Korean forward who plays in the English Premier League for Tottenham Hotspurs.
Now let me say at the outset that I have no axe to grind with Son or any other player for that matter.
I’m merely using the incidents with him because there were two red cards – one was rescinded and the other upheld.
On the 5th of November this year he was involved in an incident with Andre Gomes of Everton in a premier league game. The Portuguese international received a very nasty injury in which he appeared, later confirmed, to have suffered a broken leg. The referee at the time hesitated until he saw evidence from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). A yellow card was first produced and shortly thereafter upgraded to red.
Just for clarification purposes – a referee can change his mind anytime up to the resumption of play. Once play has restarted he cannot go back on his decision.
Son was incandescent with shock to the point that he fell to his knees. He then left the field of play in a highly distressed state and went straight to the dressing room. The red card was withdrawn a few days later and no punishment was recorded against his name.
Fast-forward to last Sunday (22/12/2019) and the eagerly anticipated north London derby between Tottenham Hotspurs and Chelsea. It was a feisty affair, as you’d expect from any local derby.
In the second half Son and Chelsea’s German international Antonio Rüdiger were involved in a tussle in which Son went to the ground. In normal speed it did appear that he kicked out at Rudiger. Referee Anthony Taylor called for the VAR system.
After some deliberation Son was adjudged to have kicked out at Rüdiger and was red carded. Again, Son was completely overcome with shock and horror at the sight of the red card.
Chelsea appealed the sanction but the FA stuck to their guns and so he must serve a 3-match ban.
Whether it’s right or wrong. Whether you agree or disagree, I’m not too concerned.
What I do have a problem with is the fact that a sanction, be it a red or yellow card, can be overturned 24 or 48 hours after a game. Why? Because it flies in the face of the FIFA Laws of the Game as outlined above.
If the powers-that-be want such discretion then put it in the Laws because it makes a mockery of the procedure as we know it.
It’s always easy to be right after the event with slow motion and with the benefit of VAR.
Please feel free to make comments or ask questions.
Happy Whistling
