Red card for Luton ref

The referee appointed for Luton's friendly match at St Albans wrongly applied the Laws of football.

I have been a referee for 25 years and a referee instructor for 15 of them,and Law 3 - The number of players does not rule out using more than six substitutes in friendly matches.

It states:

'Official competitions - up to a maximum of three substitutes may be used..........

The rules of the competition must state how many substitutes may be nominated up to a maximum of 7.

Other matches: In National A team matches a maxumum of six substitutes may be used.

In all other matches , a greater amount of substitutes may be used provided that:

the teams concerned reach agreement on a maximum number

the referee is informed before the match.

If the referee is not informed, or if no agreement is reached before the match, no more than six substitutes are allowed.'

Nowhere does it require the referee's permission.

I cannot believe Mr Deadman has risen to the lofty heights of The Football League without knowing one of the most basic Laws of the game!

He has been charged by the FA with failing to adequately apply the LAws of the game and has fourteen days to respond to the charge.

Customary punishment for this offence is suspension for a period from officiating on the National list,however, as it was a friendly match he may escape with a warning.

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