Date:         Wed, 4 Aug 2004 00:46:29 -0400
Reply-To:     Jim Gordon <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
From:         Jim Gordon <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: A tale of 2 cities: Or when is a 1 game suspension not a 1
              game suspension??

Gil Weber wrote
> Kezman (Chelsea) and DaCourt (Roma) were sent off. ...
> Before tonight's game the CEO of Chelsea confirmed
> that per FIFA regulations Kezman would sit out the game.
> However, in Saturday's match (Celtic vs Roma) DaCourt
> played, despite being sent off in that previous match vs Chelsea.
> So, what's the deal? Why does Kezman serve a 1 game
> suspension while DaCourt does not?

Speculating, I can see several possible reasons.  I assume that the rules of
the competition don't require the sit-out.  The LOTG don't require a
sit-out.  I assume it's debatable whether FIFA ROC apply.
a) It might be that Chelsea really believe that the FIFA ROC apply, or
should apply.
b) Maybe Chelsea are much more punctilious about sportsmanship.    ;)
c) Chelsea might have slyly wanted to make Roma look bad.
d) Chelsea might have wanted to rest Kezman anyway.
Or any/all of these might have applied.

It's easy for me to speculate without any knowledge of the actual situation.
 I feel sit-outs are none of a ref's business, anyway -- I attest to the
roster (and anybody who is identified as not playing because he's sitting
out) and let the league take care of sanctions.

Regards,
Jim Gordon