Time penalties: SC coach Streich "wouldn't need that"
SC Freiburg coach Christian Streich is critical of the idea that time penalties should be awarded in professional soccer in future. "I wouldn't need that," said the coach of the Bundesliga club, who face Greek club Olympiakos Piraeus in the Europa League on Thursday (18:45/RTL+). On Tuesday, the International Football Association Board's (Ifab) top rule-makers declared that they would punish unsportsmanlike and tactical fouls as well as excessive lamentation with time penalties in future.
"I think it's fine at the moment," said Streich. "If someone kicks the ball away, there will be a replay. There are yellow cards if we are too loud or not decent, that has also been introduced. And if someone runs towards the goal alone and is fouled, then it's red. Most things are regulated quite well." Freiburg striker Lucas Höler also finds "it difficult to hand out time penalties", as he said. "But I haven't given it any thought either and I think I'm the wrong person to ask."
According to Ifab, it will also be tested that in certain situations, similar to rugby, only the team captains will be allowed to speak to the referees. These measures are intended to increase respect for the referees and prevent pack formation. Streich is open to this adjustment. "It probably makes sense, as the referees are under a lot of stress and it's exhausting," said the 58-year-old. It could be discussed, said Streich.
Despite SC Freiburg's upcoming Europa League match against Olympiakos Piraeus, Streich remains skeptical about the possibility of time penalties being awarded in professional soccer. Despite the new rules from Ifab that include punishing unsportsmanlike and tactical fouls, as well as excessive lamentation with time penalties, Streich prefers the current system. He believes that most rules are already well-regulated, with appropriate sanctions for fouls, excessive noise, and dangerous play.
Source: www.dpa.com
