FNQ Football column: sin bins, big performance, and more
All the football news from around FNQ is in Parking the Bus, including the close eye on discipline and a big performance after an unfortunate injury.
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There will be extra scrutiny placed on players, coaches and match officials when the FNQ Premier League returns for Round 2 this weekend.
Dissent and player behaviour became a hot topic over the past weekend when a whopping 17 yellow cards were dished out in three FNQ Premier League games.
Among those cautions — two of which doubled into reds — were sin bins for dissent.
Referees now have a 10-minute sin bin they can use for players who, among other indiscretions, use abusive or foul language and, on the two occasions it was used in the first round, it ultimately affected the result — clubs on the receiving end gave up leads to share the points.
FNQ Football administrator Alex Srhoj said it would take time for players and officials to adjust to the rules.
Players must learn what is acceptable and behave accordingly and referees need to consider when to pull the trigger.
“Education is the key,” Srhoj said. “It’s helping officials better understand when players are being derogatory, and ensuring players learn what is and isn’t acceptable.”
■ A tip of the hat has to go to Leichhardt’s Simon Fernandez for his performance against Stratford on Sunday.
The man in the red No. 14 was on the receiving end of a high velocity kick intended to send Stratford on an attacking run, wearing the rocket from point blank range.
“Player down, player down” was the call from the sideline official as Fernandez writhed in pain, and Leichhardt and Stratford’s benches argued over who might administer treatment to the fallen player.
He eventually got back up, resumed what appeared to be a normal pace — then clinched the goal that earned Leichhardt a point.
■ There will be a defined line between the contenders and developers in the women’s Premier League.
The winning teams combined 27 goals to zip in the first round, as the three games coincidentally featured three strong programs against those in early stages of development.
■ Innisfail United could be a top four smokey. Harrison Corica is back in red and white, and with Ricky Tuigaloa and Eamon Ross up front the Cutters have plenty of weapons.
Originally published as FNQ Football column: sin bins, big performance, and more