A player was cautioned (shown a yellow card, YC) for unsporting behaviour during the first half. During the second half, the same player stops a promising attack (SPA) by pulling an opponent’s shirt. After the referee whistles to stop play for a free kick, but before the disciplinary sanction procedure has started, the offender kicks the ball away to prevent the free kick from being taken quickly. What action does the referee take?

Question

Accepted Answer

The player is shown the yellow card only once, for the SPA offence. As this is their second YC in the match, the player is then shown a red card and sent off. The third YC, for the final cautionable offence (delaying the restart of play), is not shown; however, all three offences must be included by the referee in the post-match disciplinary report.