126. Paul Scholes, 2010

Starring: A very late penalty, some fan shenanigans and three topless players
  
  

You are the Ref Scholes
Photograph: Observer

Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line.

Keith Hackett's verdict

1) Stay calm and think clearly. First, disallow the goal, because a team cannot change a penalty taker once he has been identified. Second, show yellow cards to both the team-mate who took the kick and the identified penalty taker for unsporting behaviour. And third, award a re-take, with the kick to be taken by a properly identified player. Time has not run out – you extended stoppage time to allow for the conclusion of the penalty. William Lai wins the shirt for this question.
2) You can only award a penalty if you or your assistants saw a holding offence. But stop play either way. Having inspected the shirts, order the whole team – not just these three players – to replace their shirts, and check them carefully. There might be sponsorship implications, but that's not your problem. Restart with a penalty if you saw any holding, or a dropped ball if not. Report the facts after the game to the appropriate competition. Thanks to Justyn O'Hara.
3) Yes: because you had signalled for the corner to be taken, the player has effectively kicked the replacement ball out for a goal-kick. Speak to the player about his angry reaction too, and use his captain to get him to calm down if need be. Thanks to Daniel Brett.

Competition: win an official club shirt of your choice

For a chance to win a club shirt from the range at Kitbag.com send us your questions for You are the Ref to you.are.the.ref@observer.co.uk. The best scenario used in the new Observer YATR strip each Sunday wins a shirt of your choice from Kitbag. Terms & conditions apply.

For more on the fifty year history of You Are The Ref, click here.

 

Leave a Comment

Required fields are marked *

*

*