I refereed this weekend at quite a high profile event with teams from all around the country in attendance. Unfortunately I issued a number red cards for offences whereby an obvious goal scoring opportunity was denied. I must admit that I was reluctant to send the players off knowing they had travelled a long way to play in the tournament. The fact that as well as the red card only an indirect free kick is awarded which seldom leads to a goal, So does the punishment fit the crime? Would it be better to award a penalty when a DOGSO offence occurs? Thereby reintroducing the goal scoring opportunity. A blue card could still be given and the player serve a timed suspension.
