By John Cross
Gareth Southgate has been warned there will be a major crackdown on discipline at this summer’s Euros.
UEFA are determined to take a tough stance on dissent towards referees, surrounding officials and respect during games. England boss Southgate was briefed with the other national managers at a UEFA meeting in Dusseldorf where UEFA also confirmed they will be using semi-automated offside technology in the tournament.
Roberto Rosetti, UEFA managing director of refereeing, told the coaches: “We have exactly the same job as you as we prepare to select our team. We are in the process of selecting our referees, and the best referees will be selected, with no other condition.
"Unacceptable players’ behaviour is a problem for officials. The players are following you and if you are calm, your players are more calm.
“We want to avoid unnecessary cards and protect the image of the game, so we will be strong with mobbing and clear dissent. This is about protecting the image of the game and a positive legacy for future generations.
"We have to do something and we need you because you are super important for us.”
Rosetti also unveiled UEFA’s technology to use semi-automated offsides (SAOT) and goal line technology which is used via a microchip in the ball to speed up decisions.
But UEFA insisted they will try to reduce over reliance on VAR and encourage the referees to make defining decisions. There were just 18 VAR corrections in 51 games at the last Euros.
Rosetti added: “We want referees with strong personalities to take decisions on the pitch. We want to use our VARs only when there is evidence of a mistake.
“In the event of tight offsides, we are asking assistant referees to keep the flag down. We are telling them to raise the flag only if they are sure. If they are not 100 per cent sure, they have to keep the flag down. With SAOT, offside is solved, and can save a lot of time with decisions.”
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