The issue-to me- is not the rule but the method.
There were 2 options.
1- do not confront the player and leave him to sign his card at his own peril
2- Inform the player AND provide complete and dcisive information as to any rule violation.
The problem is that the player did not seem able to make a informed decision. And I don't think anyone known if a rule was in fact violated. No mater how it is spun.