Referees Use Rock, Paper, Scissors in Support of David McNamara After Ban

English referees have backed David McNamara after the official was banned for using a game of rock, paper, scissors to decide who kicked off in a Women's Super League match.

McNamara was given a three-week suspension by the Football Association after forgetting to bring a coin onto the field of play for the Manchester City-Reading match. The official used the fun hand game with club captains Steph Houghton and Kirsty Pearce, but the decision was an infringement of the rules.

Frank Keogh of BBC Sport reported "hundreds" of grassroots referees have mimicked McNamara's offence in support of the official. Ref Support UK chief executive Martin Cassidy recognised the wide-ranging support.

Cassidy said:

"We can't condone anyone deliberately breaking the laws of football. However, we understand hundreds took part. The level of support should send out a message that the punishment was disproportionate. This suggests people are willing to face a possible charge from the FA or their county FA as they feel so strongly about it."

TV presenter and rugby union referee, Nigel Owens, offered his opinion on Twitter:

The coin toss is embedded in the laws of the sport. The referee was charged with not acting in the best interests of the game, leading to his 21-day ban.