The Football Association Reports Decrease in Player Surrounding Referees but Increase in Bookings for Dissent
The Football Association (FA) has recently released new data indicating a decline in incidents of players surrounding the referee during matches this season. However, there has been a significant increase in bookings for dissent compared to the same period in the previous year.
Decrease in Charges for Surrounding Referees and Mass Confrontations
The data, collected from all matches in the Premier League, EFL, National League, Women’s Super League, and Women’s Championship up until December 3, reveals a 37% decrease in charges for surrounding match officials (from 19 to 12) and a 43% drop in charges for mass confrontations (from 61 to 35).
Increase in Bookings for Dissent
On the other hand, the number of player bookings for dissent has risen by 88% (from 966 to 1,813). In the Premier League alone, this increase amounts to 233% (from 24 to 80).
FA’s New Campaign to Address Unacceptable Conduct
The FA attributes these results to a new campaign introduced at the beginning of the season. The campaign focuses on addressing unacceptable conduct on the pitch and enables match referees to take stronger action when participant behavior falls below expected standards. This approach ensures a consistent application of existing measures.
Refereeing Under Scrutiny
These findings come at a time when refereeing in football is facing significant scrutiny. The Premier League has witnessed several controversial officiating and VAR incidents this season, which have sparked calls for greater protection for referees. These calls have only intensified following an incident where a club president punched an official after a Turkish Super Lig game.
Encouraging Progress and Future Goals
Howard Webb, the chief refereeing officer at Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), expressed optimism about the progress made so far. He emphasized that a culture change takes time but believes they are moving in the right direction. The aim is for cautions for dissent to decrease significantly as this culture change takes effect, ultimately benefiting the future of the game.