Grassroot referees across the UK protested David McNamara's three-week suspension for using rock, paper, scissors instead of a coin toss before kick-off. 

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The referees risked charges from the FA this past weekend choosing to use rock, paper, scissors instead of a coin toss in support of David McNamara.

McNamara used the method in a Women's Super League match between Manchester City and Reading after the referee left his coin in the dressing room. 

Referee suspended after playing rock, paper, scissors

 

Referee, Ryan Hampson told BBC Sport: "A lot of us were thinking of David. We wanted to show solidarity.

"Without me saying a word, four players came up to me and said 'are we getting on the rock, paper, scissors today?' as they had seen coverage of the issue."

David McNamara decided to appeal against his three-week ban and has been backed by Ref Support UK, a charity which offers support to referees. 

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A statement from the charity to BBC Sport said: "We believe the punishment to be disproportionate and should be rescinded and reduced to a written warning.

"David would also like to take this opportunity to place on record his appreciation for the tremendous message of support from his refereeing colleagues around the world."

The controversial protest has not gone unnoticed, with the Southern Sunday league criticising the move.

A Southern Sunday League spokesperson said: "Two wrongs don't make a right. Referees are law-enforcers and not law-breakers.

"This action is unprofessional and it brings the game into disrepute. Doing this due to a forgotten coin is one thing but this is a step too far."