Are referees allowed to show a card to a coach during a match?

Referees have the authority to manage the conduct of all individuals involved in a match, which includes the coaching staff. While it’s true that players typically receive cards as a means of disciplinary action, the correct understanding is that referees can show a card to team officials under certain circumstances.

For instance, if a coach is demonstrating unsporting behavior or failing to comply with the rules, the referee may issue a yellow card as a warning or a red card for more serious offenses. This is a key aspect of maintaining discipline and ensuring fair play throughout the match. Referees must manage not just the players but the entire environment of the game to uphold the integrity and respect of the sport.

Thus, while the assertion that cards are exclusively for players might seem logical at first glance, it overlooks the comprehensive authority that referees wield concerning the match on and off the field. Therefore, cards can indeed be shown to coaches, which is captured in the correct response regarding the specific conditions under which they may do so.