So You Think You Had A Rough Game...

[Nevadaref]

12-8-3d
A player, coach or bench personnel shall be disqualified (red card) for: d. using insulting, offensive or abusive language or gesture.

The rule itself clearly does not state that the language need be directed at anyone in particular. It seems to say that its mere use is enough to warrant the red card.

However, there are two casebook plays (12.8.3 sit C and 12.8.3 sit F) which do state that the language is directed at the referee and an official, respectively.

I guess the language would have to be pretty bad before I would red card someone for language especially if it is not directed at anyone. I'd probably go with a caution. However, I would not hesitate to use the red, if the comments were directed at an official or an opponent. Probably a you-have-to-be-there situation.