That was the case last night in English non-league football when Hemel Hempstead Town player Sanchez Watt saw red in the national League South game against East Thurrock United.
In reaching for his yellow card, the official asked the Hemel player for his name and he said “Watt”. Hulme replied with “what?” and then asked the player for his name again to which he was again told “Watt”. Believing that Watt was showing dissent for questioning his decision, the yellow card turned to a red.
Thankfully for Watt, it was only after Hemel captain Jordan Parkes explained to the referee about the misunderstanding that the red card was rescinded and the yellow was issued as originally planned. Speaking to the BBC afterwards, Hemel Hempstead chairman Dave Boggins revealed that referee Hulme apologised for the mix-up.