Position Paper: Rescinding a Card (Euro 2008)

Prior to play restarting following the display of a card, the referee can revise his decision about what he observed on the field, re-evaluate the significance of the player action, or receive additional relevant information from another official (either or both  assistant referees or the fourth official).  As a result of this further reflection or assistance from other members of the officiating team, the referee can:

•  rescind the card entirely,
•  decide that the card should be given to a different player,
•  display a card to additional players,
•  or display a different color card in place of the one originally shown.

As a practical matter, it must be emphasized that the occasion for such an action should be infrequent, that the need to rescind a card is reduced by having as much information as possible before displaying a card, and that referees should not be seen as acting in response to player appeals.  If play has been properly restarted, any cards shown must be reported.