I've refereed more than 500 games, been assistant on probably another couple of hundred and observed another 250-300. So all in all, over the last 19 years and 6 months since qualifying I thought I'd encountered most incidents. Turns out I was wrong.
Player cautioned after 72 for naughty kick on a player who got away from him. I'd spoken to him with his captain about another matter a few minutes before so it was teed up nicely. Same player launches into challenge on 75, briefly coming down out of orbit to land an outstretched boot on the ball. Coaches on touchline did that involuntary "oooh" noise when you see a really bad challenge. Book is out as the player lands and then I see his number. I check all other recognisable things (boots, hair colour, hair style, etc.). Walk towards him and he begins to complain as I reach for the yellow and then the red. He's off, tells me to "Piss off" as he goes. Dawdles and initially refuses to leave the technical area, then gestures at me as he moves around the field.
So far, nothing too unusual, except at the final whistle he comes back and tells me he's given a false name at the original caution. Turns out he was the manager's son/grandson and gave the name of a player who doesn't play for the team any more. I write it all down and it all goes in.
Player cautioned after 72 for naughty kick on a player who got away from him. I'd spoken to him with his captain about another matter a few minutes before so it was teed up nicely. Same player launches into challenge on 75, briefly coming down out of orbit to land an outstretched boot on the ball. Coaches on touchline did that involuntary "oooh" noise when you see a really bad challenge. Book is out as the player lands and then I see his number. I check all other recognisable things (boots, hair colour, hair style, etc.). Walk towards him and he begins to complain as I reach for the yellow and then the red. He's off, tells me to "Piss off" as he goes. Dawdles and initially refuses to leave the technical area, then gestures at me as he moves around the field.
So far, nothing too unusual, except at the final whistle he comes back and tells me he's given a false name at the original caution. Turns out he was the manager's son/grandson and gave the name of a player who doesn't play for the team any more. I write it all down and it all goes in.