changing a decision

[geoffsiggins]

Today i refereed fletton against real whittlesey a good hard fought game
which fletton won 2-0
Mid way through the second half i awarded whittlesey a penalty i felt that the whittelsey
number 9 (mickey)was triped just inside the box. the fletton lino and defender claimed it to be outside
as i walked to take my postion for the kick mickey also said
he was caught outside . So ive got the striker deefender and lino have said its not a pen so ichanged my decision and gave a free-kick onthe edge of the box.Some of the players appeared to think i couldnt change my decision once i had given it.
LAW 5 THE REFEREE
The referee may only change a decision on
realising that it is incorrect or, at his discretion
on the advice of an assitant referee , provided that he has
NOT RESTARTED PLAY or terminated the match

[Ross]

I too have done that Geoff. A lot of players do not realise the above as you found out. Not quite the same desicion in my case, id given a corner, when 2 attacking players had said that it wasnt, so as the game hadnt restarted, i gave a goal kick instead. Cue a tirade of abuse from the sideline.

[Glasgow Rangers Champions]

Geoff i myself have always known it that a ref can change his mind if he feels that he has made the wrong descion upon more evidence from the people helping him out.
At the time i was like wtf but once Micky told us he had said to you it was not a penalty then to be fair their is no cause for complaint. He only has himself to blame that the pen was not given as i feel that had he not said that regardless of the lino (fletton manager) telling you that the descion would have stood.
Anyways we lost because we could not score in a brothel!! i think we had 5 or 6 easy chances and well as you can see by the score were not taking!!
Anyway m8 again you had a really good game and had the usual banter with both teams!!
See ya next season me hopes!!

[WMG FC]

Spot on Geoff, ref's should definately have the right to change their mind if both teams are sporting enough to admit the decision was wrong. A few games last season i've been open with the ref about giving wrong decisions (in our favour) and been threatened with a booking! Common sense, good stuff! Hopefully we get you for a few games next season!