Player calls an Irish opponent 'Paddy'

[Trip]

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?

 

[Kent Ref]

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?

Wow - where would we draw the line?

 

[Big Cat]

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?

Shocking behaviour!

 

[CaptainsPlease]

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.

 

[ladbroke8745]

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.

 

[DJIC]

In the same vein, my game player called opponent ginger c—-.

I went yellow, thoughts?

 

[santa sangria]

Match context and local cultural context matter a lot with this.

 

[bester]

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.

 

[ARF]

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.

 

[ChasObserverRefDeveloper]

In the same vein, my game player called opponent ginger c—-.

I went yellow, thoughts?

I would send off for the directed use of the "C" word. If the football authorities want to add a discriminatory twist as an extra charge, that's their right (but unlikely to succeed )
For those who don't believe the "C" word is offensive, insulting and/or abusive, that's your opinion but not mine

 

[Purron4]

As soon as the C bomb is dropped towards someone then it's a straight red .

 

[one]

Eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thread. From time to time you guys are called pommies down here in an almost identical context.

More seriously, pommy is often used effectionately. It can be used in a derogatory way but it would be mild. It is more playful or banter than offensive. It is not offensive enough to be impactful in serions confrontations if you know what i mean. Sending off for it will surprise everyone.

If paddy is anything like pommy then best managed with a yellow card or no card for me, depending on context of course.

 

[Gabriel]

I personally think in this case the punishment heavily depends on the context of the use of the word Paddy. I'm British-Irish so have been called that (and other things) plenty of times, but it doesn't really offend me 99% of the time as the use doesn't usually make it aggravted/targeted in a specific way.

However, nationality IS a protected characteristic as others have pointed out and if it was derogatory then really it should be a red card.