Referee, David McNamara has been suspended for three weeks by the FA after forgetting his coin, and instead choosing to play rock, paper, scissors to determine who would kick-off.  

In an October 26 Women’s Super League match between Manchester City and Reading, McNamara made captains Steph Houghton and Kirsty McGee use a different means of determining kick off.

This was just McNamara’s second Women’s Super League match of the season, after mainly refereeing matches at National League North level.

Steph Houghton - Manchester City captain

 

FA women’s refereeing manager Joanna Stimpson told The Times UK: “The referee forgot his coin and in that moment, in a TV game, he was really pushed for time. It was a moment of madness.

“He obviously thought it was the right thing to do. He probably walked away, or the second afterwards, thought it wasn't the right thing to do.

“It's not defendable. He should have been more prepared. He should have had a coin but he didn't. It was disappointing. It's not appropriate. It’s very unprofessional.

“The laws of the game state you toss a coin. I can't think it's something we are going to ignore. He wasn't taking the mick out of the game - it was just a really poor decision.”

While the incident is bizarre, McNamara will still be available for Women’s Super League duty from 17 December.