If the ref has correctly applied the laws of the game, then they MUST change the laws, because that was a disgrace, and well done to the AZ manager for taking the team off..
The referee was correct. The goalkeeper committed an act of Violent Conduct on the field of play. Just because it didn't involve another player there is no excuse for it.
The referee was correct. The goalkeeper committed an act of Violent Conduct on the field of play. Just because it didn't involve another player there is no excuse for it.
No question that the ref had to send the keeper off as per the rules.
BUT.
The rules are a joke.
It is getting silly. There was an incident in Serbia? Croatia? a few weeks ago when a fan ran on the pitch, broke a player's cheekbone, and when one of his team-mates got him on the floor and kicked him (a couple of beauts, actually) - a red card. Likewise the incident in the non-league a few months ago - another red card.
While the law, sensibly, dictates that they shouldn't get involved with pitch invaders, there's an interesting parallel (in this country) with how someone who invades/trespasses your home or property can be dealt with. i.e. a certain amount of force, especially if there is a given danger. At the very least the football authorities could look at it in those terms.