The Rational Ref | Too much burden on referees to rule on hidden messages

Some goals are more meaningful than others. None of the seven goals scored by Argentina against Hong Kong this week was considered worthy enough for any of the esteemed players to celebrate with verve.

But when Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his record-breaking 50th goal for Sweden last month, he promptly removed his shirt to reveal "50+" on the back and "it's you who made this possible" written in Swedish on the front. What messages would Wayne Rooney conjure up when he reaches his 50th goal for England?

Referees have no choice but to follow strict orders and caution players for removing their shirts. This is an absurd situation, which is almost as ridiculous as the action that triggers it.

In today's world of crude, provocative and in-your-face behaviour and gestures, removing a shirt and displaying a celebratory message on an undershirt is a relatively minor and harmless action. Referees always look sheepish when showing a yellow card and should not be the scapegoats for being forced to follow the rules.

It is time for this specific rule to change and for many charities to benefit. Instead of requiring referees to caution players for an act that is on the same punishment level as a reckless tackle, this rule should be taken out of the referees' hands.

Penalising players after the match and giving the proceeds of fines to charities would be far more constructive. Spectators and television companies can have their entertainment, referees need not subject themselves to even more abuse than they already receive, and ultimately players will contribute their fines to charity for simply taking their shirts off or covering their faces with their shirts while wishing to celebrate their important goals.