Football fans across the globe have experienced something different in the game due to a little-known rule that makes goalkeepers stay on the pitch after two yellow cards.
The latest incident occurred during a match between Manchester United and Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, April 21, where the Red Devils goalkeeper Andre Onana was shown a second yellow card but remained on the pitch.
The former Inter Milan shoot stopper received a second warning during Man United’s penalty shootout win over Coventry on Sunday – but he was not dismissed.
The former Ajax Amsterdam goalkeeper was initially booked in the 85th minute of the game for time-wasting when Coventry were trying to find an equalizer at 3-2.
He was also booked in the penalty shootout for engaging in an argument with the referee Robert Jones, ordinarily, that would have seen him receive his marching orders – but he was able to stay on the pitch.
Speaking after the game, Onana said; “Before the penalties, I knew that my first yellow card had been cancelled so I was aware of the rules. I had to make some provocation to some players and to use my tricks to win the game, so I’m happy for that.”
The little-known rule in football that makes goalkeepers stay on the pitch after two yellow cards:
According to the IFAB rule 10.3 on penalty shootouts, yellow cards picked up during the regulation time are not carried through to penalty shootouts, meaning all players and team officials start with a “clean slate”.
The same little-known rule in football received a little more attention when Emiliano Martinez was not sent off during Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League triumph over Lille despite being booked in the game and the penalty shootout.
Despite being given two yellow cards in the game, the referee failed to dismiss Martinez, and he proceeded to become a penalty hero for the Premier League team.
He was initially booked in the first half of the game for time-wasting. He was shown the second yellow card for shushing Lille fans after he saved a Nabil Bentaleb penalty.
However, the Argentinian FIFA World Cup hero will miss the semi-final first leg after acquiring three yellow cards across the tournament, including the two against Lille.
But the case is different for Onana who will not be suspended for the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City on May 25, which will be a repeat of last year’s showpiece, which was won by Pep Guardiola’s side as part of their treble season.
What’s next?
Andre Onana will be seen next in action when Manchester United welcomes Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, April 24, at 8:00 WAT.
In addition, Emi Martinez, on the other hand, will also be seen in action in the Premier League when Aston Villa lock horns with Chelsea on Saturday, April 27, at 8:00 WAT.
