Referees have been reminded that they are welcome to use their discretion when it comes to allowing water breaks in football, after Dumbarton captain Stuart Carswell was struck down by heatstroke.
The Sons skipper was forced off at half-time in last Tuesday evening’s game with Partick Thistle after referee Mike Roncone turned down Dumbarton’s pre-match water break request - despite the mercury hitting 27.
And that prompted a furious reaction from boss Stevie Farrell.
He said: “I’m disappointed because we wanted a water break during the game. We asked for a water break but the referee wouldn’t give us it.
“I told the referee that I wasn’t happy about that.
“We asked the officials before the game and they said no.
“I feel like player welfare and safety is more important than any game of football.
“It would’ve taken nothing to stop the game for two or three minutes and let everyone get a drink of water.”
Following Farrell’s comments, the Lennox understands that referees were reminded that water breaks are a matter for their judgement - despite League Cup rules not mentioning them.
In Dumbarton’s previous game with Dunfermline a water break was held, with temperatures lower than they were at Firhill.
