A Premier League referee has come under criticism for his decision to book Leicester City's Demari Gray for removing his jersey after scoring a goal for his side in today's clash against Cardiff City.
Making the correct call by the book, the referee has been deemed to have shown "insensitivity" given that Gray's celebration revealed a message of support for their recently departed owner, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.
A little under a week after the Thai businessman perished in a tragic helicopter crash, Gray's undershirt bore a simple message; "For Khun Vichai".
'For Khun Vichai'#TheBoss #LCFC pic.twitter.com/pCOlmw6eMj
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 3, 2018
Demarai Gray gives @LCFC the lead, pulls off his shirt to reveal T-shirt with ‘For Khun Vichai’ printed on it.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) November 3, 2018
An incredibly emotional moment for all the players involved, Gray was immediately flanked by his teammates.
Where many suspect the referee Lee Probert may have demonstrated some leniency given the impetus behind Gray's decision, viewers were amazed that no exception was made.
Yellow card to Demari Gray for celebrating?? Surely not. Not today??
— Paul Newman (@Paul_NewmanDM) November 3, 2018
Demari Gray booked for celebrating his goal for Leicester, ref man ffs think 🙈
— Mal Dickenson (@MalDickenson) November 3, 2018
lee probert, be ashamed. booking demari gray during leicester celebrations. got to be more sensitive in this case! shocking.
— Jordss 🏳️🌈 (@jordssboi) November 3, 2018
There will never ever be a more WRONG yellow card than Demari Gray got there.
— dean king (@kingy1959) November 3, 2018
The referee Lee Probert booked Demari Gray for taking his shirt of to reveal a 'For Khun Vichai' t-shirt after scoring. Absolutely disgraceful #LeicesterCity
— Andy W (@Lazy_sunbather_) November 3, 2018
There was a similar sense of disbelief in the Sky Sports studios. According to host Jeff Stelling, Probert's decision demonstrated an incredible lack of sensitivity, while pundit and former Liverpool player Phil Thompson bluntly instructed the referee to 'get a life.'
The second-half strike from Demari Gray gave Leicester City a 1-0 lead away to Cardiff City.
