| It was early in the match, very early. Roger Williams received the ball via a kick deep in the 22m. The Roger Williams player immediately kicked the ball. #10 of Plymouth, Mr. Mike Howes, had attempted to charge down the kick. Upon getting up he headed back towards play. When passing the Roger Wiliams player Mr. Howes raised his fist and struck him in the face. The strike was unprovoked and malicious. I instantly blew play dead and drew Mr. Howes over to issue the red card. He was not surprised at the penalty, but did seem surprised at the carding. Himself, the Captain and Coach were all unhappy with the red card, not understanding. They thought that because it was first infraction that it should only be a yellow. With a few words exchanged he left the pitch and did not return.
His punch would have gone unnoticed had play not been so needlessly aggressive so far that I had to change tactics and trail my attention after play moved on every time contact was made or the ball was kicked. I think he was less surprised at the penalty but more surprised that he was caught and given a red card. |
