[Percula]

If the card(s) where exposed intentionally, then yes a penelty is in order at the final table. If it was not intentional, then a warning is in order. And frankly the way you discribe the action it was a complete happenstance and anything other than a "hey be careful mucking players" is harsh.

I agree with the other posters in that a warning should be given before a penelity, however the warning should have been made to all players at the final table BEFORE any action takes place.

A good tournament director will pause the clock once the final table is seated, and give the run down of the rules and what will happen if the rules are voilated. They will let all players know what deals (if any) can be made, how betting is going to be considered (forward motion for example, chips in fornt of cards, etc), rather play out of turn is binding or not, etc, etc. Anything else is simply weak...