12th January 2012

Deaf footballer sent off for missing whistle

A Deaf footballer was sent off during a Scottish cup tie because he was unable to hear the referee's whistle calling offside.

Great Britain Deaf footballer Philip John Dolan was playing for Kilsyth Rangers against Armadale in a Scottish Junior Cup replay match. Dolan continued playing after the referee had blown his whistle, carrying on to score a goal which was subsequently disallowed

Referee Gavin Duncan showed Dolan a yellow card for ignoring the whistle. His team-mates protested explaining that Dolan deaf, but the referee stood by his decision.

Moments later Dolan was sent off after being given a second yellow card, for allegedly diving just moments after the first.

John Dolan's father reacted angrily to the referee's refusal to withdraw the first yellow card and claimed the Kilsyth manager had briefed the referee about Dolan’s Deafness at the original cup tie a few weeks prior the replay.

The club is considering an appeal but the Scottish Football Association declined to comment on the incident.

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