January 16 – UEFA president Michel Platini’s idea of referees using white cards for sinbins has been supported by the organisation’s refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina (pictured) who says it will help prevent diving.
Speaking at a conference in Portugal, the former World Cup final referee said it was time football fell into line with other sports such as rugby and ice hockey.
“It is important to give a message,” said Collina. “I don’t think it is a positive message to have simulation on the field of play, I don’t think it is a positive message to have players always complaining, protesting against referees’ decision.”
The highly respected Italian stressed there was some time to go before sinbins, used as an experiment at youth level, could be tried and tested at the senior level.
But he added: “The message that should be given is more correctness on the field of play and maybe a sin bin like five, seven, ten – I don’t know how long minutes could be the answer.”
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