Originally posted to Voyageurs soccer conference.

Not Water
by David Bailey

Plato had left the field to tend to his boot as it was cutting off the circulation to his foot. He sat down on the bench and started to work on his boot. According to the coaching staff, he was desparate and had tried to get an officials attention but when he couldn't, he left the field.

The team tried to get him back on the field but his lack of English only left him confused.

I've been told that often an official will let it go especially when its a situation where the player doesn't speak the language but that was not the case this time.

The ref made the proper call. Peter Pinizzotto was disappointed that the ref wasn't a wee bit leniant under the circumstances but he was also angry at Plato for doing something he should have known was wrong.

Still, it was a sad sight watching him trudge off the field, probably a bit confused and definitely depressed. It was his third appearance with the team and he was playing well.