The FA have suspended referee David McNamara for 21 days after he made two captains play rock, paper, scissors to determine who would take kick-off when he left his coin in the dressing room.

The FA's women's refereeing manager, Joanna Stimpson, has condemned McNamara’s “moment of madness” prior to the televised Women's Super League match between Manchester City and Reading on October 26.

She said: “The referee forgot his coin and in that moment, in a TV game, he was really pushed for time. It was a moment of madness.

“He obviously thought it was the right thing to do. He probably walked away, or the second afterwards, thought it wasn't the right thing to do.

“It's not defendable. He should have been more prepared. He should have had a coin but he didn't. It was disappointing. It's not appropriate. It’s very unprofessional.

“The laws of the game state you toss a coin. I can't think it's something we are going to ignore. He wasn't taking the mick out of the game - it was just a really poor decision.”

McNamara has been suspended for three weeks by the governing body, beginning November 26. He has the right to appeal the decision.