For those who have watched enough professional soccer on TV, it's common to see players curse at the referee and nothing happen, no repercussions. Well, not any more. Now players have to be more careful than ever.
The English Football Association announced on Wednesday that it has joined the Premier League to improve behavior by implementing some new rules that could result in red cards for players who cross the line.
Here's what's happening:
- The specific area of focus is "in relation to participants' behavior towards the match officials, with the aim of reducing disrespectful conduct."
- Examples would be aggressively challenging decisions of the officials or running from distance to confront an official.
- It doesn't just have to be on the field, as it can concern the fourth official on the side as well.
- It will be implemented 'rigorously' and also applies to coaches confronting officials.
- If a player or coach commits one of the inappropriate actions, as deemed by the officials, they can be shown a red card, ejecting them from the match.
Too often we see players disrespect officials by getting in their face and not saying the friendliest of things. Props for trying to make this game more positive, for in the end that's just what it is -- a game.
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