OT - Player sets unwanted record with three-second dismissal

[Nevadaref]

"Also in 2000 an English amateur player, Lee Todd, was sent off after two seconds when he responded to the referee’s whistle to start the game by saying “xxxx me, that was loud” and was dismissed for foul and abusive language."

Originally Posted by bc7

I read that article last night and when I got to this paragraph I about lost it. I don't know why this struck me as so funny, but it killed me!

While I found it amusing, it is also sad because the dismissal was incorrect and uncalled for.

A simple caution or word with the player is all that was needed in that situation. Perhaps even a wry smile or a laugh would have been best.

From the USSF Advice to Referees:

12.31 EVALUATING LANGUAGE
The referee should judge offensive, insulting, or abusive language according to its content (the specific
words or actions used), the extent to which the language can be heard by others beyond the immediate
vicinity of the player, and whether the language is directed at officials, opponents, or teammates. In
evaluating language as misconduct, the referee must take into account the particular circumstances in
which the actions occurred and deal reasonably with language that was clearly the result of a
momentary emotional outburst.
Referees must take care not to inject purely personal opinions as to the nature of the language when
determining a course of action. The referee's primary focus must be on the effective management of
the match and the players in the context of the overall feel for the Spirit of the Game.