- UEFA want end to abuse of officials
- Any player bending rules will be booked
- Only skippers can approach referee
WHAT HAPPENED?
Domestic divisions around the world have tried for some time to put rules in place that limit the abuse aimed in the direction of match officials. Cautions are handed out for dissent, but groups of players still have a tendency to swarm around referees when contentious decisions are made.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
European football’s governing body are attempting to crack down on that ahead of their showpiece event in Germany this summer, with competing nations being made aware that only those donning the armband will be allowed to speak with on-field decision makers – with anybody else that speaks up running the risk of collecting a yellow card.
WHAT UEFA DIRECTOR SAID
UEFA’s managing director of refereeing, Roberto Rosetti, has said: “Being a referee in the modern game is very difficult. The official in the middle takes between 200 to 250 decisions per match – that is one every 22 seconds – in difficult and sometimes controversial situations, under huge pressure, with each of them scrutinised and re-watched from multiple different angles by fans and pundits alike. They (referees) receive a lot of information from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), and we are ready to speak and share more details with the players and coaches to help them understand how a decision was taken. Explaining a decision with up to 22 players mobbing you is impossible for a referee. It can lead to a breakdown in communication, with the beautiful game turning very ugly very quickly.
“We ask that all teams ensure their captain is the only player who speaks to the referee. We ask the captains to ensure their team mates do not encroach upon and surround the referee, allowing direct conversations to take place in order that the decision be relayed in a timely and respectful manner. Importantly, we want only the captain from the team who wishes to discuss a decision to be able to approach the referee.”
WHAT NEXT?
UEFA have pointed out that if a team’s goalkeeper happens to be their captain, then an outfield player can be nominated to speak with the match referee. Prolific Bayern Munich striker Kane will be hoping that he does not have too much to argue over the coming weeks, with England set to open their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday.
