FA suspend referee for using rock, paper, scissors to decide Women's Super League kick-off

Referee David McNamara has been banned for three weeks after using a game of rock, paper, scissors instead of the traditional coin toss to decide a kick-off.

Taking charge of the Women's Super League game between Reading and title contenders Manchester City on October 26, McNamara left his coin in the dressing room so improvised.

FA women's refereeing manager Joanna Stimpson said: “The referee forgot his coin and in that moment, in a TV game, he was really pushed for time. It was a moment of madness.

“He obviously thought it was the right thing to do. He probably walked away, or the second afterwards, thought it wasn't the right thing to do.

“It's not defendable. He should have been more prepared. He should have had a coin but he didn't. It was disappointing. It's not appropriate. It’s very unprofessional.

“The laws of the game state you toss a coin. I can't think it's something we are going to ignore. He wasn't taking the mick out of the game - it was just a really poor decision.”