The Ref Stop

Player calls an Irish opponent 'Paddy'

Donate to RefChat

Help keep RefChat running, any donation would be appreciated

Trip

RefChat Addict
Level 5 Referee
So, nationality is not a protected characteristic. The term 'Paddy' can certainly be used in a derogatory sense, indeed I'm sure that's what the player meant.

Is it a card? Is it red?
 
The Ref Stop
Nationality is part of the 'race' protected characteristics (though this would also come under ethnicity and national origin).

Insulting, offensive or abusive language is a red card so probably should be the result as it is a potentially aggravated offence, and the anti discrimination protocol should be followed.
 
Nationality is part of the 'race' protected characteristics (though this would also come under ethnicity and national origin).

Insulting, offensive or abusive language is a red card so probably should be the result as it is a potentially aggravated offence, and the anti discrimination protocol should be followed.
I sent someone off (in scotland) after being called an English ****.
I might well be, but by adding the English part makes it more personal.
 
Every Irish player is called Paddy, and every Welsh player is called Taff. Universal rule of grassroots football.

If you think the insult is racially aggravated then act accordingly.
 
So, nationality is not a protected characteristic. The term 'Paddy' can certainly be used in a derogatory sense, indeed I'm sure that's what the player meant.

Is it a card? Is it red?
Nationality is indeed included under race in the protected characteristics in the Equality Act, as well as been explicitly mentioned in FA Rules E3.2 and E4. If you believe that the player meant it as an insult, or the opponent has been insulted/offended by it (even if it wasn't intended to be so), then I don't think you have much choice but to send off and report it accordingly. Context absolutely matters though.
 
Back
Top