Lack of consistency from FA [R]

[MassachusettsRef]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=346248&cc=5901

Interesting that the FA won't defy FIFA and turn a yellow into a red card on the advice of a referee, but will do the exact opposite (turn red to yellow) when given the opportunity without so much as batting an eye.

It would have been one thing if the FA defied FIFA in both instances; at least they could have argued that they were doing what was for 'the good of the game' and trying to get the calls right and seek justice. Instead, they claim that's what they are doing when they are trying to overturn red cards, but shy away from confrontation when there is evidence that a decision fell short of the punishment that was needed. In effect, they seem to be both simultaneously undermining referees and showing a lack of concern for the safety of players. The hypocrisy is almost laughable.

The article says that the FA consulted FIFA this time BECAUSE of the chasisting they took with the previous incident. It will be interesting to see what happens next time everyone thinks a harsh red card is controversially awarded.

[MassachusettsRef]

Meanwhile, in the exact same weekend:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=346213&cc=5901

Why didn't the FA ask FIFA if it was okay to overturn this red card?

[Englishref]

It doesn't seem like anything's changed really. The FA have always downgraded red cards, and given players retrospective bans for incidents unseen by the referee. I don't remember The FA ever upgrading a yellow to a red though, so it seems strange to me that The FA sought to do so in this case. I suspect it was to please the media who were outraged at Styles' decision to YC and not RC that tackle. :rolleyes:

[MassachusettsRef]

How can the FA say that they are not upgrading a red card in order to respect FIFA's wishes, while simultaneously repealing a red card in direct contradiction to FIFA's edicts and expect to be taken seriously? It doesn't even come close to passing the laugh test.

[whitehound]

It doesn't seem like anything's changed really. The FA have always downgraded red cards, and given players retrospective bans for incidents unseen by the referee. I don't remember The FA ever upgrading a yellow to a red though, so it seems strange to me that The FA sought to do so in this case. I suspect it was to please the media who were outraged at Styles' decision to YC and not RC that tackle. :rolleyes:How would they record the game if they did decide on a send off upgrade? Would nt that require that the team have played a man down? would you then need to replay the match? I think it is inadvisable to downgrade or upgrade a referees decision. How many international experts would have downgraded Esse Baharmast in the WC only to be proven wrong later?

[refontherun]

I know! Let's have instant replay on the field and a telephone line directly to FIFA headquarters! :p How about a microphone on the referee so he can explain to the fans what has happened.

I've said this before on another thread, we are going the way of pointy ball. This is only a good thing if you are a fan of NFHS. :mad: