The Premier League has had enough of multi-millionaire players abusing its match officials.
2016/17 could have a heap of 9 vs. 7 games if referees adhere to the league's newly-minted sanctions.
While threatening behaviour and abusive language to referees and linesmen is a punishable offence, the league wants officials to cut it out. They have set out a criterion of yellow and red card offences for the upcoming season.
Show visibly disrespectful behaviour to any match official
Respond aggressively to decisions
Confront an official face to face
Run towards an official to contest a decision
Offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures towards match officials
Physical contact with any match official in a non-aggressive manner (e.g. an inquisitive approach to grab the official’s attention).
A yellow card for at least one player when two or more from a team surround a match official. The FA will continue to sanction teams when they surround match officials.
Red cards will be issued to players who confront match officials and use offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures towards them.
Physical contact with match officials in an aggressive or confrontational manner.
Back in the 1980s, David Elleray agreed to be be micced up for a football documentary and, by God, did he get dog's abuse.
Luckily, modern footballers are much nicer lads. Can't see these sanctions being enforced at all...
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