Since when did refs use round cards?

[1976_Child]

If you look at the OS gallery the ref uses a round red card to send the Brighton chap off.

 

Since when did refs use round cards?? Never seen it before. Always thought they were rectangular. Why would a round one be better?

[Saint Garrett]

I've seen quite a few of them, I think its normally to distinguish which one they are to pull out their pocket without looking. It's not very common though.

[Mr saint]

It's to make the Brighton folk feel at home. Rectangular ones are a bit too straight.

[sibster]

As Saint Garrett said it helps some referees to distinguish between cards but personally I choose a much better system. My yellow card is in my right side pocket and my red in the back pocket. That way I know where which card is and also let's the more observant players know which they are going to receive as I reach down!!

[Whitey Grandad]

It's for those watching in black and white.

[gaz]

I thought it was for colourblind players? Refs know which card is which as yellow card is in the top pocket and red in the back pocket IIRC.

[The9]

It is for colour blind players, and round cards have been in use for getting on for 10 years - though not all refs use them, just like not all refs write the bookings on their cards.

 

 

There's a thread here from 2007 discussing it, in which circular red cards are described as "old school" and other people discuss them having been around for "ages" : http://community.codemasters.com/forum/lma-manager-2007-game-548/246084-circular-red-cards-2.html

 

And another question about it here from Dec 2006 : http://www.kgbanswers.co.uk/why-are-some-refs-during-football-matches-using-a-square-red-card-and-others-use-a-round-one/3006728

 

So they've been around for at least 5 years.

Edited 20 November, 2011 by The9

[ericofarabia]

Í thought it was a bit homophobic when the Comentator said it was a Straight Red for dissent - surely a Slightly Gay Cerise would have been more apt.

[VectisSaint]

I think using a round red card helps to take the edge off being dismissed.

[RonManager]

The round card can double as a coaster should the referee wish to enjoy a hot or cold beverage whilst lecturing the infringee.

[sussexsaint]

Health and safety , no corners,

[Micky]

Health and safety , no corners,

 

[sotonist]

Health and safety , no corners,

This was a triumph...

[Guy]

I shared a house with a chap who reffed Sunday league games and he had a round red-card in 1993.

[niceandfriendly]

I think using a round red card helps to take the edge off being dismissed.

 

Lol, this one was more of a triumph IMO.

[Lets B Avenue]

I think we are going round in circles.

[eurosaint]

I understand that he left his poppy in his pocket from last week so it wasn't really a red card at all !

[Bartosz Bialkowski]

Not a triumph