I know many of you have pondered the same thing. I mean what gives. A guy gets booked, deservedly so, then proceeds to commit fouls which would normally get him booked but because he's carrying a Yellow, the ref continues to issue warnings instead of sending him to the showers. Meanwhile, players whom are fouled are getting lit up and in some cases seriously injured. What gives? In my case, I'm referring to Bo's foul on DaMarcus near the end of last night's US Open Cup Semi-Final which finally got him sent off, however had he been booked on one of the two fouls he committed earlier this would have never occured. This isn't a team specific thing and on occasion the refs have been good about issuing that second yellow. However, many seem to play the I can't send him off for that type of foul, so players on the oppostion are lit up 'til the person is sent off. Lemme see, I'll allow a hack to stay on and finish the job but not protect the players on the field? Makes perfect sense to me. Anyone else? And no this isn't Fire Specific. I've seen this happen to almost every team I've seen play in the MLS as well as other leagues throughout the World and even in World Cup play. Germany in the 80's come to mind.
IMO: It is political and financial. It is bad business for your player to be suspended for a game or two. Then there are fines and such. Then there is the protect the players: yes, even the foulers! Not with standing: the Referee could, should, and would card all cardable fouls. Some fouls are mandatory cards, yet get passed by! To me, this sends a message that the Referee has NO authority and is to be walked on. Why else do they lack respect.
reminds me of my comparison of american/mexican refs. on one hand american refs allow practically murder to take place before issuing a second Yellow while Mexican refs will give you a yellow just for breething on a guy and the countries are right next to each other yet they are the opposites of each other
You might want to post this thread in the referee forum - that's where you'll actually get the information from the referees' point of view. It's VERY interesting reading, if you haven't visited there.
Refs are too scared to hand out red cards, they might not make it out of the stadium alive. Rumor has it, the refs from San Jose's recent game with NE were escorted out with dozen of police, who blames them? They did a crappy job though.
Having been close to the MLS referees. I know it os a matter of finances. Owners dictate that stars not be sent off unless absolutely needed/ Fans pay to see players, period. It is the referees' jobs to keep players in the game as long as it stays safe.