Strict disciplinary action awaits European Championship players if they misbehave.
The European Championship (EM) has kicked off and it might be a tournament with a lot of cards: Due to the revised interpretation of current rules, tired players are bound to get frustrated. This affects the German captain who is concerned.
UEFA's Referee Chief Roberto Rosetti has shared the guidelines and technological aids for the Football European Championship before the opening match. Fans can anticipate transparency, as the decisions made by the video referee will be described in depth on the video screen at the stadium. "We wish to provide an explanation to the spectators about the referee's decision," Rosetti said in the Munich Arena, where the German national team opens their home tournament against Scotland in the evening (9 pm/ZDF, MagentaTV, and live on ntv.de).
"There will be 'zero tolerance' for serious fouls, we aim to safeguard the image of the sport and especially the players," the 56-year-old added. The harsher interpretation of disputes over referee decisions was already experienced by Dortmund professionals Nico Schlotterbeck and Marcel Sabitzer in the Champions League final, who received yellow cards for relatively mild protests about referee choices.
"They remain unwavering, they don't feel stress - why should they?"
"They don't alter their minds, they don't succumb to pressure - why should they?" said Rosetti. "We don't do this for the referees, but for the sport and its image."
German coach Julian Nagelsmann recently voiced his support for the stern approach towards protests, labelling it appropriate. Nagelsmann did express concerns, however, about how quickly this strict move would be introduced before the season's climax. Specifically, it could result in numerous yellow cards and consequent suspensions during the tournament. During the EM, players would receive a suspension for the following game after two and four yellow cards. "Trainers, players, everyone is aware. We are starting with this, and we commence now," said Rosetti.
Representing the captains as contact persons
As the referees' liaisons, the captains alone will serve this purpose - to whom Rosetti expects respectful treatment. If the goalkeeper happens to be the captain, a field player should be enlisted as a spokesperson should the goalkeeper be too far away. Ilkay Gündogan has expressed worry concerning this new guideline: "I hope they acknowledge that we are human beings with emotions," said the captain of the German side. "Complaints are a component of the game, whether from a player, a coach, or a supporter. We adore the game because it evokes emotions. I'd rather have fewer yellow cards shown if it doesn't show disrespect," said Gündogan.
Rosetti also provided guidance for the referees on various scenarios such as handballs, fouls, and skirmishes against opponents. Lengthy extra time durations, such as those seen at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where many games lasted more than 100 minutes, are not expected at this tournament, Rosetti promised: The referees have been encouraged to hasten the game. However, eight or nine additional minutes could occur, according to the rules, yet Rosetti vowed that this should not happen - due to the considerable net playing time already present in European top competitions.
