275. Adnan Januzaj

Featuring: Stormy weather, cynical tripping and baseball caps for all
  
  

Adnan Januzaj You are the Ref
Photograph: Observer

Click to enlarge, and debate the strip below the line.

Keith Hackett's verdict

1) The captain should not be showing dissent in this way – and you may have to consider cautioning him, too – but he does have a point. You have applied the law, but you've failed to control the players' behaviour. Once you spotted what was happening – after the third caution – you should have called over the away side's captain and issued a firm, public warning against the use of this cynical tactic, making clear any further targeting of the winger risks a red card. As it is, deal with the captain's dissent, and point out that if his side refuses to take the free-kick then the game will be abandoned and the facts reported to the authorities.
Thanks to Tom Payne.
2) The keeper's handball was not a deliberate act, but it does need punishing – he could have adjusted his tactics to the conditions, so award a direct free-kick for careless action. As for the pitch: keep monitoring it to ensure the players' safety and to prevent the game becoming a farce. Stephen McAteer wins the shirt.
3) The law covers this: caps are not an accepted part of outfield players' equipment because they represent a danger when challenging in the air. The keeper can wear one; the others cannot. Thanks to Stephen Leitch.

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