Soccer is beautiful game that produces millions, if not billions, of spectators globally. But persistent fouls and misconduct from the players can often put a dampener on many clashes, whether at club level or internationally. The use of violent conduct, serious foul play, bad language, dissent, professional fouls and the tackle from behind are all reprimanded in the sport.
Referee and Assistant Referees
The referee is the ultimate decision maker and adjudicator in soccer. They are responsible for controlling order during the game. As the referee, they will try and maintain discipline by distributing either a yellow or red card to any offending players. There are also two assistant referees--also known as linesmen--who patrol on the touchline at opposite sides of the field. Assistant referees aid the referee in critical decisions involving fouls and player misconduct. However, they do not have the final say over the referee who can overrule their initiatives at will.
Violent Conduct and the Two Footed Challenge
In contemporary soccer, players are becoming more protected by officials to reduce the chances of injury and unfairness. When a player behaves violently toward another opponent he will instantly be red carded, thereby removed from the remainder of the game. This includes striking an opponent, serious foul play, spitting, or using abusive language and/or gestures. The two footed challenge that was implored to players in the past has now become sacrilegious to the game. Following numerous leg breaking tackles and other injuries, governing bodies FIFA and UEFA banned the use of the dangerous tackle. So players who opt to lunge in off the ground with two feet are immediately discarded from the game.
Goal Scoring Opportunity
In many games, players are so desperate to win and not let their team down that they resort to cheating in any way possible to deny a goal scoring opportunity. This can either be a foul from behind when a player is through one-on-one with the goalkeeper or a deliberate handball which diverted the ball from going into the back of the net. These decisions are often made very easy for the referee who will react accordingly by dismissing the individual. It has now reached the point in soccer where midfielders will haul down players as they approach the defense; they will only receive a yellow card for their offense because they are not the last man.
Tackle from Behind
Similar to the denounced two footed challenge, the tackle from behind was a regular feature in historical soccer. However, with this feature also being banned players are no longer able to try and pinch the ball behind the player, forcing them to either get in front of their opponent or slide in from the side of them and collect the ball. Tackles from behind will almost definitely end up with a dismissal for the player but depending on the severity of the tackle and the players intent, the referee's decision can vary.
Bad Language and Dissent
Match officials have often found themselves at the brunt of player anger during games. Unfortunately, foul language and dissent are regular features in sport and soccer can be no different. However, referees have been empowered to deal with such behavior by producing a card that suits the punishment of the act. Therefore, any abuse directed toward a referee, his officials or fellow players will have ramifications.
Member Comments