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

    Rob Blanchette@@_Rob_BFeatured ColumnistNovember 19, 2018

    MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Steph Houghton of Manchester City Women passes the ball during the UEFA Women's Champions League Semi Final, first leg match between Manchester City Women and Lyon at The Academy Stadium on April 22, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
    Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

    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:

    Referees Use Rock, Paper, Scissors in Support of David McNamara After Ban
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    Nigel Owens MBE @Nigelrefowens

    A bit of common sense is needed surely. If both captains were happy to do it then why not. I did it with Blues v Ospreys and NZ v Barbarians on the request of the captain's. I obliged as a bit of fun is whats needed sometimes. Life is to short smile & have fun. #WorldsGoingMad https://t.co/0NAzI7muwZ

    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.