Race / Class discarding

[noface409]

I was playing at a convention and I felt as though there was some confusion on how to discard excess class (and race) cards.

The game was Axe Cop which only has classes (but I am sure this applies to races as well). The player in question already had a MAN CLASS card in play before their turn started. Kicked open the Door and it was a COP CLASS. They immediately discarded the drawn COP CLASS, saying they couldnt play due to MAN CLASS in play and that they already had a COP CLASS in their hand. They referenced rule stating, "You can discard a Class card at any time...." This player was the Owner of the game, had the last say. =)

Shouldnt the COP CLASS go to the players hand first, even though they have two? If they dont want to use COP CLASS, then it
1.) stays in their hand if 5 cards and under
2.) discarded for charity if over 5 cards (which I think would have happened because they weren't the lowest)
3.) if lowest level player, then could discard to discard pile at end of turn.
4.) Could they give it to another player as well not as charity?

Thank you for your help