Refereeing: European referees invited by UEFA to uphold respect and fair play

Players who overreact to fouls, who try to put pressure on the referee by demanding a yellow or red card for an opponent, who try to deceive the referee through simulation or who surround the referee to put pressure on him, These are the situations that 81 elite European referees (including 23 women, 28.4%) were urged to "take firm action against" during their winter course (held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic), said UEFA on 14/02/2022.

"We're worried, we don't like to see these incidents happening. They damage the game and its image. Such conduct is not respectful - nor does it show a spirit of fair play when players, for example, try to deceive a referee or put pressure on the referee to caution or dismiss a opponent," explained Roberto Rosetti (ITA), chairman of the UEFA Referees Committee.

"We don't want to see this taking place, we can't accept it. Showing respect on the field is important. Consequently, referees are being asked to be alert and take appropriate firm and consistent measures in such cases. It’s especially important that the referees always act on what they…