FCArmstrong

Do you have any favorite stories from issuing a red card?

Normally a 2nd yellow card for unsporting behavior is an easy red card to issue. Normally I don’t think twice about the caution. Normally I let the laws of the game guide me and don’t double thing the situation. Normally I don’t take into account the cultural importance of the game or the need to celebrate a great goal. Normally I forget what the score is and just let the law guide me. However this one time in Milwaukee between two south side schools, I had issued an early caution for UB for a tackle from behind in minute 33 to the Red teams 10 at midfield stopping a promising attack (SPA). At that point the game was 3-0 for the white team that was fouled and seemed like it was going to be a blowout. However during the second half the red team scored two quick goals, then in minute 70, red teams #10 hit a 40 yard out banger into the upper 90 of the goal at the West Virginia St endzone. He then immediately ran off the pitch to celebrate in the stands on the S 4th St side of the field, lifting his shirt over his head. It was an easy decision according to the laws of the game, but a difficult one in the spirit of the game. He just made this great shot, tied the game and we still had 10 more minutes of play. I allowed red #10 to finish his celebration and return to the pitch for the kickoff, but first issued the 2nd caution for his celebration. I was reminded of this again during WC2022.