Football authorities aim to 'reset' on-field behaviour towards referees
- Planet Sport writer
- 31 July 2023
New regulations for this season will encourage referees to issue warnings and yellow cards when confronted by more than one player from the same team after an on-field incident.
Referees will be encouraged to issue at least one yellow card where two or more players confront them this season as part of a series of measures designed to improve behaviour on and off the pitch at all levels of the English game.
The football authorities are seeking a "reset" in how those who play and watch the game conduct themselves, with a series of measures intended to tackle the issue set out on Monday.
Key among them are a new 'Participant Charter' empowering match officials to take tougher action against unacceptable behaviour, backed up by stronger disciplinary action from the Football Association.
Serious and repeat offenders can expect to face increased financial penalties, while referees will be encouraged to issue at least a yellow card if they are confronted by two or more players.
Captains will be expected to take responsibility for their team-mates by encouraging them to play fairly and show respect towards the match officials and their decisions.
Despite a raft of unsavoury incidents in the professional game last season - including Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp twice being issued with touchline bans for verbally abusing officials and Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic banned for eight games for pushing a referee - there are no indications that it will follow grassroots football in issuing points deductions to teams for serious or repeated instances of bad behaviour by their players or coaches.
Off the field, clubs in the Premier League and the EFL will also seek stronger sanctions against anyone found to be involved in football tragedy abuse, such as chanting about the Hillsborough or Munich air disasters.
Clubs will also continue efforts to issue sanctions to pitch invaders, the use of pyrotechnics, those who bring drugs to games and those who engage in discriminatory abuse in the stands and online.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: "Football has the power to unite and inspire all those that play and watch the game. However, sometimes, this can be negatively impacted by a small minority of players, coaches and fans.
"Our collective approach is to reset this behaviour on the pitch and from the sidelines, whilst giving our referees the respect and protection that they deserve.
"We are also determined to address the rise in unacceptable behaviour from the stands.
"Incidents such as dangerous conduct, discrimination, and chanting about football-related tragedies have no place in our game - and can lead to football bans and potential criminal action.
"Passion, emotion and excitement are fundamental to football, however this must be shown in the right way. Everyone can play their part, so that together we can create a safe and enjoyable environment for all."
