IFAB proposes to send a player off for ten minutes for arguing with a referee

The IFAB is considering introducing a temporary suspension for disputes with a referee, The Times reports.

As it became known, starting from 2019, the use of the penalty bench is being tested in amateur football in England. That is, if a player starts arguing with the referee over his decision, he is removed for ten minutes. According to statistics, the frequency of such cases has decreased by 38 per cent, and most players (72 per cent), coaches (77 per cent) and referees (84 per cent) are ready to continue to participate in the trial.

They are also considering the possibility of allowing only the team captain to communicate with the referee, as in rugby. It should be added that this season, the Premier League has shown 88 yellow cards for disputes with the referee.

Roberto De Zerbi, the head coach of the English club Brighton, was quite harsh on the referees who officiate at English Premier League matches. He criticised the work of the referees after his team drew 1-1 in the match of the 12th round with Sheffield Wednesday.

England is the only country that has a VAR system, but according to De Zerbi, you cannot be sure that the decisions are correct.